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Showing posts from 2014

Today is a very, very sad day for me. My little Daisy Dog has been ill with canine lymphoma and I made the extremely hard decision that euthanasia was the kindest thing that I could do for her. She was diagnosed 8 weeks ago. For 6 weeks she seemed stress and pain free. On week 7 she was panting and sleeping more. Her decline had sped up over the past couple of days and although still eating and enjoying a short walk twice a day, it was obvious that she was beginning to suffer. This mornings decision was the hardest that I have ever made. I have cried an ocean of tears. She is now resting in peace with her sister Bob the Dog who died in March last year. I have attached a link from ASPCA giving care advice about dogs who are nearing end of life.

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https://www.aspca.org/pet-care/end-life-care-faq

Enoughness: The Boxing Day sales in Australia, with a population of 23,490,700 people, are estimated to reach 16 Billion dollars over 2 days. Do we need all of the stuff that we purchase and how much of it will be tossed aside within the next 6 months? With 2,548,496 in Australia living below the poverty line, how might lives be different if only 10% of the sales money was donated to those in need?

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For those of you from the colder side of the world at Christmas, here is a little Aussie 12 Day's of Christmas. No roasting or toasting anything, except maybe the B.B.Q. or ourselves at the beach. Wishing you all a safe and joyful holiday time and open compassion for those who might be doing it tough. Be kind to your selves and others now and always.

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Music - African Ambient Lounge

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The 4 Bad Habits That Could Ruin Your Relationship : A balanced relationship is really more of a verb than a noun. Achieving and maintaining a healthy one requires us to constantly look in the mirror and evaluate what we can do better—how we can be better.

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http://www.psychologytoday.com/blog/hope-relationships/201412/the-4-bad-habits-could-ruin-your-relationship?utm_source=FacebookPost&utm_medium=FBPost&utm_campaign=FBPost

Love Control Victoria - Love Control is a groundbreaking film produced by Women's Health In the North. It draws directly from young women's experiences of abusive relationships

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To acknowledging a persons pain and/or difficult life situation, without judgment, advise or minimizing what is being shared with you can make a great difference to a person seeking understanding. Any form of minimization of a situation often only benefits the person who is hearing. Truly listening with empathy involves setting aside your own ego to get in touch with the sharers experience.

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Top 50 Art Therapy Blogs - Art therapy uses art to heal people of all ages, and can improve the emotional, mental, and physical health. If you want to know more about how art therapy can help you, read the free blogs listed below. They range from offering a basic understanding of the topic to discussing cases on how art has worked to heal people ( The New Updated List via Expressive Art Inspirations)

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http://www.expressiveartworkshops.com/expressive-artists/top-50-art-therapy-blogs/

Honor Diaries- exclusive extended clip. Education about the subjugation and persecution of women with regard to Honor Crimes committed against them.

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How do I support someone who has been sexually assaulted? Sexual assault is common – approximately one in five women experience sexual assault. There are some practical things you can do to help.

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https://www.1800respect.org.au/family-friends/common-questions/what-do-i-do-if-someone-has-been-sexually-assaulted/

Music - Desert Flute

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Addiction - At first, this animated short seems rather pleasant: A kiwi encounters a golden nugget, and upon consuming it, feels a glorious sense of bliss. But as the bird continues to chase that first high, things quickly turn dark.

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Music: Vikings : Season 1 Full Soundtrack OST (HD)

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What is Consent? In Australia, giving consent to participate in sexual activity cannot legally be given when you are under the age of 16, under the influence of drugs or alcohol or agreeing to participate while experiencing fear or duress. The law in the same for for all sexes. The lack of using the word "No" does not equate to the word "Yes".

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https://www.facebook.com/video.php?v=1555463557927854&fref=nf

Know What To Look For: The 4 Big Signs Of PTSD Laid Out In Less Than 4 Minutes

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I created this movie to express my personal story of psychological pain of long term self harm and survival. This intimate journey explores physical impacts and consequences with regard the vulnerabilities that follow a sexually abused child into adulthood.

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Can Art Be Medicine? - New Jersey Video Production Company

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Children who experience early childhood trauma do not "Just get over it".

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http://www.socialworkhelper.com/2014/10/08/children-experience-early-childhood-trauma-just-get/

How to do Touch Drawing

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Seven Videos on the struggle of mental health Depression, schizophrenia, suicidal feelings—too often, these experiences stay private. These speakers who've struggled with mental illness boldly share their stories, in hopes that others don’t feel so alone.

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http://www.ted.com/playlists/175/the_struggle_of_mental_health?utm_content=awesm-publisher&utm_campaign&utm_medium=on.ted.com-facebook-share&awesm=on.ted.com_e0UWh&utm_source=direct-on.ted.com

10 Things You Didn't Know About Self-Esteem

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http://www.psychologytoday.com/blog/the-squeaky-wheel/201410/10-things-you-didnt-know-about-self-esteem

Yep!!! How to be Ultra Spiritual (funny) - with JP Sears

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3 part ABC documentary on mental health practice in a hospital setting

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http://iview.abc.net.au/programs/changing-minds-the-inside-story/DO1340H003S00

Music - Singer-Songwriter Essential Songs . Excuse me while I travel back 35 years to my busking days. Songs and Lyrics

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What We All Need to Know About Attachment, how we socialize and learn relationship interaction. The Menninger Clinic

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Honouring Children’s Rights

Mindfulness – More than Simply Meditation. I was recently sent this written piece about the author, Juliette Foster's personal experience of mindfulness practice. There seem to be quite a few approaches to mindfulness practice and Juliette has asked me to share this one with you. Thank you for your contribution Juliette.

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http://www.kwikmed.org/mindfulness-simply-meditation/

Why Cats Purr The purr of a cat. It’s the most mesmerizing sound. It’s the sound that makes you smile and think all is right in his world. That gentle sound relaxes and even mystifies you, but just how much do you really know about why and how your cat purrs?

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http://www.catbehaviorassociates.com/why-cats-purr/ Daisy Dog and Squeeze  (U.K Squeeze - Cool for Cats) Best friends

Music: Art I love you This a re-post from 2012 and I still love art

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Art of Life With Mairead: Music: Art I love you

Intersex??? If you don't quite understand the terminology here is a little help from interact youth.

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http://interactyouth.org/post/97343969730/inter-act-has-been-working-with-mtvs-faking-it-on

12 Lifestyle Factors That May Make You Feel Depressed

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http://www.mindbodygreen.com/0-12880/12-lifestyle-factors-that-make-you-feel-depressed.html

Music - 2 Hours of Fantasy Music

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The Art of Being Yourself: Caroline McHugh at TEDxMiltonKeynesWomen

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Carrie Bailee’s powerful spoken-word piece entitled SOLD. She courageously recounts the dark memories of her childhood, but more importantly, focuses on her inspiring escape and desire to help others in similar situations rise up. Violence against women and children has become an epidemic of global proportion and continues to rise. With a beautifully poignant and inspiring style, Bailee unashamedly pulls back the curtain on a hidden and often silenced world of abuse. I was privileged to be on the same bill as Carrie last year in an Arts to Healing event to raise awareness of sex trafficking. Carrie is a true inspiration Her book is raw and true.

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https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xs_sPq2Tado#t=244  For more information on supporting Carrie Bailee's cause "The Freedom Project" or to purchase her book please go to http://flyingonbrokenwings.com/

Would you decorate your home with human hair? Watch the journey of human hair as it is transformed into works of art in the form of furniture and house hold items.

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http://video.nationalgeographic.com/video/short-film-showcase/would-you-decorate-you-home-with-human-hair?source=relatedvideo

G.I. Joe photo exhibit in San Jose brings to life the real plight of struggling veterans

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http://www.mercurynews.com/bay-area-news/ci_26506100/g-i-joe-photo-exhibit-brings-life-real

Xena The Warrior Puppy ASPCA Dog of the Year

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Art Saved My Life. This is a story that is so very close to my heart. I have witnessed, experienced and shared this very phenomenon.

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What is Art for??? In this exclusive video for the Guardian, philosopher Alain de Botton gives his top five reasons why art is such a vital force for humanity. Are we wrong to like pretty pictures? Why is some art painful to look at? Can art heal your feelings of urban alienation? Relax, watch and find out

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http://www.theguardian.com/artanddesign/video/2014/sep/10/what-is-art-for-alain-de-botton-guide-video
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Music - Xavier Rudd - Spirit Bird

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National Geographic Live! - Carol Beckwith & Angela Fisher: Painted Bodies of Africa. Ceremonies celebrated by decorating the human body with paints made from natural earth in the local environment of the community.

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I've been working at Very Special Kids for a non-for-profit organisation called The Art Cabriolet with my good friend Svetlana Bykoviec and we managed to get to know Humpty Dumpty pretty well. We have also made some other special friends this week in the staff and patients in this beautiful facility. Very Special Kids and The Art Cabriolet are working hand in hand to provide the valuable opportunities for families to gather in a peaceful and empathetic environment with their child who is at the end of their life to express unsaid emotion and thoughts through creativity. If you would like to learn more about Very Special Kids and The Art Cabriolet or donate to these most valuable services, please go to the links provided.

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http://www.vsk.org.au/        http://www.theartcabriolet.org.au/

The terrors of sleep paralysis - Ami Angelowicz

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Born without legs, gymnast and aerial performer Jen Bricker has never let life slow her down

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https://www.facebook.com/video.php?v=10153154817558902&fref=nf

How Brains are Built: The Core Story of Brain Development

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Understanding Trauma: How Stress and Trauma Cause Chronic Pain, Anxiety, Depression, & PTSD

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"The war on Drugo" in a short and simple look at how the impact on lives is more about the greed around controlling drugs than using them.

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What is Addiction? Gabor Maté offers a true defection of why a person, their life falling down around them, continues to numb their minds and bodies with addictive drugs. I have been working with intravenous drug users for the past twelve months with some truly beautiful souls who, sadly, are unable to stop using. One thing that they all seem to have in common is that they have suffered trauma at some point in life. Deadening pain may have started as a short term thing but the feeling of being pain free, even for the briefest of moments, can be an enormous pulling force in continuing drug use.

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We all have an inner voice. Sometimes it can be the greatest gift but at other times it can be our greatest critic. New research shows that mindfulness may help us to stop our inner critic from comparing ourselves to others.

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http://www.mindful.org/in-body-and-mind/feeling-self-critical-try-mindfulness

Yes. The next "NEW" life trend is to get out into nature. You could head off into the wilds of your outer environment or simply as connect with a couple of pot plants on your balcony. This is one trend that I am happy to promote.

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http://www.huffingtonpost.co.uk/daniel-crockett/nature-connection-will-be-the-next-big-human-trend_b_5698267.html?utm_hp_ref=tw

Neuroscience Sheds New Light on Creativity. What neuroscience reveals about how to come up with new ideas. By Gregory Berns

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http://www.fastcompany.com/1007044/neuroscience-sheds-new-light-creativity?utm_content=buffer78c1f&utm_medium=social&utm_source=twitter.com&utm_campaign=buffer

I am very happy and excited to announce that on Friday 17th October I will become part of the team at Newport Hypnotherapy, Healing and Health Centre as Holistic Counsellor/Psychotherapist and Art Therapist. Sessions will be held on Friday: 1 pm - 7 pm and Saturday: 8 am -1 pm . To make an appointment contact me at artoflifewithmairead@gmail.com

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http://www.newporthypnotherapycentre.com/

I am looking forward to many more projects with Creative Sparks.

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http://www.creativespark.org.au/introducing-mairead-creative-spark-volunteer/

Music - The Mystery of Circle - Beautiful Celtic Music

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100 Positive Intentions for Tonglen Meditation & Anytime.Think of someone, anyone, everyone. Breathe in and imagine taking all the pain and suffering that person might be experiencing into your body and being incinerated in the fires of your love. Imagine that person at their absolute best, being unreasonably happy and at peace. it doesn't matter what you imagine here as long as it comes from the best loving place in you and will be beneficial to the person your sending energy to.

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http://www.elephantjournal.com/2014/08/100-positive-intentions-for-tonglen-meditation-anytime/?utm_content=buffera1a4d&utm_medium=social&utm_source=facebook.com&utm_campaign=buffer

Tomorrow I will appear before the Australian Royal Commission into Institutional Childhood Sexual Abuse with the hope that more stringent sentences and recognition of all elements of abuse, example - grooming, are dealt with more thoroughly. I only hope that the government also hold a Royal Commission into abuse that takes place in a child's own home by those who are supposed to care for them. Imagine a world with no child abuse, a world where all children have the opportunity grow free from this curse.

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Profiles of Hope - Rick Springfield, Los Angeles County Department of Mental Health

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Rest In Peace all those killed in the air attack, including those who were to attend the International Aids conference in Melbourne this week. Your diligent work has saved many lives. I would like to tribute our Art Exhibition to each and every one of you. {Some of the Art Work for the International Aids Conference created by IDU Community members}.

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15 pair s of Hands. (Community art piece) Street Art Ron 15 pairs of Hands Multi Media Street Art Australian Bush near Daylsford
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ID u E ntity Art exhibition, raising awareness for the prevention of AIDS and other blood borne diseases, for intravenous drug users. I am very proud to say that I am the Art therapist, organizer and fund raiser for this magnificent event with the help of generous community members, staff and clients at Inner Space  http://www.innerspace. org.au/ .  Works range from Internationally recognized Aboriginal artists, established local artists and collaborations within the IDU community  (Intravenous Drug Use) each exploring personal experience and insights of IDU.  The Exhibition will be opened by one of our local  Aboriginal Elders with a Welcome to Country Ceremony at 1pm This Sunday 20th July. The exhibition will run all week in conjunction with the International Aids Conference  http://www. aids2014.org/ , held in Melbourne 20th - 26th July  I invite everyone to find the time to be part of this soulful community event.

Creative Art Therapy: Brain-Wise Approaches to Violence Four key mind-body and brain-wise principles tell us why art therapy works. Published on October 16, 2013 by Cathy Malchiodi, PhD, LPCC, LPAT in Arts and Health

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http://www.psychologytoday.com/blog/arts-and-health/201310/creative-art-therapy-brain-wise-approaches-violence

100 art therapy exercises to make your mind, body and spirit sing. Via - Tools to live an Inspired Life- Stuart Cline

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http://stuartcline.wordpress.com/2013/09/27/100-art-therapy-exercises-to-make-your-mind-body-and-spirit-sing/

How does PTSD (post traumatic stress disorder) Affect Brain function?

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The science of Happiness - An experiment in Gratitude. I shared this exercise with a beautiful woman who meant a great deal to me in my childhood. I was a new immigrant and she became my grandmother figure. I presented her with a gratitude letter and a portrait of her painted by me. Nearly 50 years on,she is 92 and I am 50 years old.

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Brian Greene: Is our Universe the Only Universe?

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NAIDOC (National Aborigines and Islanders Day Observance Committee) celebrations are held around Australia each July to celebrate the history, culture and achievements of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples. The week is celebrated not just in the Indigenous communities but also in increasing numbers of government agencies, schools, local councils and workplaces.

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http://www.naidoc.org.au/celebrating-naidoc-week

The most Astounding Fact - Neil de Grasse Tyson

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In 1939, a 29-yo stockbroker rescued 669 Czechoslovakian children before the Nazi invasion. After the war, he told no one. In 1988, his wife discovered the scrapbook in their attic with all of the children listed

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Music- Faun - Buch der Balladen

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While most people know on some level that the arts can reach and move us in unique ways, there is actually science behind this. - See more at: http://www.creativitypost.com/arts/our_brains_on_art#sthash.fLPAiSnZ.dpuf

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http://www.creativitypost.com/arts/our_brains_on_art

Nonviolent Communication with Marshall Rosenberg - a brief introduction. Marshall Rosenberg worked as a "peace leader" in the most volatile areas of the world and is the creator of Nonviolent Communication, a conflict resolution tactic centered on compassion. At 3:30, he tells us straight out how he'd respond to terrorists. Then at 6:00, he gives an example of the kind of question that can stop an argument.

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Music - Puscifer - The Humbling River with Lyrics : In life we all face barriers that hinder out pursuit in connecting with our authentic selves. This song gives me strength to keep going. I am not on my own.

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Music - Relaxing Nature sounds music and videos

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Why do so many people disconnect mind and body and stigmatize mental health as if it is less of an illness than physical illness? No Health without Mental Health: Denny Morrison, explores this issue

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500 Years of Female Portraits in the Western Art

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Exposure To Stress As A Child Can Permanently Affect Your DNA, June 18, 2014 | by Justine Alford

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http://www.iflscience.com/health-and-medicine/exposure-stress-child-can-permanently-affect-your-dna

5 tips on how to start a conversation about mental health

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Well said Stella. We are all different, with different capabilities. Using what we have to the best of our ability is is pretty much what most humans do.

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Mapping how emotions manifest in the body - Across cultures, people feel increased activity in different parts of the body as their mental state changes.

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http://news.msn.com/science-technology/mapping-how-emotions-manifest-in-the-body

A short story about the work that Svett Moondog and I have been involved in with refugee and asylum seeking children. Svett is my co-therapist ( also an Art Therapist and Holistic counselor) who also lives in the Western suburbs. You can find her at http://www.svettarttherapy.com/ and me at http://www.artoflifewithmairead.com/

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http://www.maribyrnong.starweekly.com.au/story/1804185/therapy-helps-burmese-children-get-to-art-of-the-matter/?nav=Y2F0X2lkLzEx
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http://www.creativespark.org.au/introducing-mairead-creative-spark-volunteer/

How to become a better listener. When we are with another person notice that there is more to how they are communicating than just words. Listening with mindfulness, authenticity and non-judgment can open deeper communication and understanding.

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http://www.psychologytoday.com/blog/how-do-life/201405/how-become-better-listener