Review your year...

A review of the year from GetUp!

The GetUp movement has never been larger, nor had greater impact on Australian society as it did in 2010. Thank you.

Here's a quick update on what we've achieved together in the few months since the election. Hopefully it will serve to inspire us as we take these important campaigns into 2011:

International campaign on WikiLeaks - when our Government failed to stand up for freedom of information and the rights of Australian citizen Julian Assange, GetUp members did. 95,000 Australians signed a statement on WikiLeaks in less than a week. Together we published it in huge ads in The New York Times, The Washington Times, The Australian, and The Age -- and it was even tabled in the U.S Congress. The campaign generated news coverage across the world, including The Washington Post, FOX News, CNN International, ABC's 7:30 Report, and news bulletins on Channels 7 and 10 here in Australia.

Mental Health - working with experts like Australian of the Year, Prof. Pat McGorry, and former head Government advisor, Prof. John Mendoza, GetUp members helped make mental health a top-order issue this year. For the first time, Australia now has a Minister for Mental Health, and we've seen the Coalition and Greens make policy commitments that dwarf previous efforts. Just in the last month, when a crucial mental health motion failed an initial Senate vote, GetUp members intervened, and helped it pass. Thousands of GetUp members faxed, called and met with their representatives, and locals even took out newspaper ads in the electorates of independent MPs with deciding votes.

Women's choice - when a young couple faced time in jail for seeking an abortion this year, GetUp members launched a huge campaign to overturn archaic laws that make abortion punishable by imprisonment. So far, 55,000 Australians have joined the campaign, and chipped in over $375,000 for two huge national newspaper ads, billboards across Queensland, Australia's first national TV ads on reproductive choice, and a Newspoll survey that showed 72% of Queenslanders want to remove abortion from the criminal code.

Protecting Tasmania's native forests - we've seen a great step forward, as Prime Minister Julia Gillard announced the Federal Government's support for the State of Principles agreed to by the conservation movement, the forest industry and unions. This comes after more than 10,000 GetUp members joined in the hard work of our partner organisations by emailing their Labor MP or Senator encouraging them to back the Principles and over 54,000 Australians signed up to the Australian Native Forests Charter.

Reforming the banks - GetUp members swelled the ranks of one of the largest Australian class action law suits in history, to recover unfair and unlawful penalty fees charged by the big banks. Together, we also funded a parody ad that made news on all the major networks. Treasurer Wayne Swan has now announced a number of reforms, and while they don't go nearly far enough, as we enter 2011 there has never been more momentum for banking reform.

Marriage equality - tens of thousands of GetUp members contacted their MPs urging them to support marriage equality for same sex couples. On the same day as the emails and calls from GetUp members flooded Parliament House a vote was held on the first steps toward marriage equality... and it passed! Politicians will now consult their constituents about the proposal and report back to the Parliament. We're only getting started with this campaign - keep an eye out for our great new TV ad early next year.

Standing with Traditional Owners in the Kimberley - when WA Premier Barnett announced his plans to compulsorily acquire Indigenous land at James Price Point, 40,000 GetUp members joined the campaign supporting local Traditional Owners. The petition was presented to the Premier last week.

And that's just the last few months. Earlier in the year, GetUp members ran Australia's largest ever independent election effort and won two huge court cases that added over 100,000 additional voters to the rolls.

It's been an incredible year, all built by the actions of hundreds of thousands of everyday Australians. May we carry the same passion, energy and commitment with us into 2011.


Have a wonderful holiday and a happy New Year,
The GetUp Team

Go Deep

Most of us think too much, especially about events and people, local and global, famous and not so famous. When we are always thinking about what is happening on the surface of life, the visible, then it is as if we are living a superficial life. Deep down inside there is a voice, a longing, a calling to depth. It's our heart, reminding us to visit, explore and express the depths of our ourselves. Going deep and being deep requires time spent in solitude, some periods of introversion and a conversation with ourselves. How on earth will we ever see what is in our heart unless we dive deep inside, switch on the light and look. Those who do will tell you it changes everything. What do they see? Simple, only beauty and truth. They are always there, waiting for us to return. Waiting to welcome us and to introduce ourselves to ourself.

Be a master of your destiny

Within each one of us there is a master of the universe. Not the universe out there but the inner universe of our thoughts and feelings, attitudes and actions. Most people realise too late what awaits within and how valuable it is. For too long we allow ourselves to be distracted and bewitched by all that is happening outside. To be the master of your inner world is to be the master of your own destiny. Are you going to be the master or a slave? ~ thoughtfortoday.co.uk

Rural Women Leading Change

Great news!  I've been accepted onto the Rural Women Leading Change Reference Group!  What a great way to forge new professional networks.

Now to ponder a possible project for the East Gippsland community. 

Rural Women's Network

I recently submitted an expression of interest to be a part of the Rural Women Leading Change Reference Group as a way to refine and develop my capacity to "facilitate individual and societal change through empowerment". 

Here's an excerpt from the Department of Planning & Community Development website: http://www.ruralwomen.vic.gov.au/web15/rwn/dvcrwn.nsf/headingpagesdisplay/about+us

About us
The Rural Women’s Network is not a formal organisation, but rather a way of linking groups and individual women. Links are forged between groups from different backgrounds with varied objectives and activities, providing opportunities for the exchange of information and ideas.The Rural Women’s Network is not a formal organisation, but rather a way of linking groups and individual women. Links are forged between groups from different backgrounds with varied objectives and activities, providing opportunities for the exchange of information and ideas.

Networking to build stronger communities
The network supports commitments in the Government’s social policy statement, A Fairer Victoria, to encourage individuals and community groups to work together to build strong communities. The Network's Coordination Unit works with the Department’s local teams in regional Victoria to strengthen the network and support action for change through enabling and empowering women in their communities.

Quote of the Day

HH Dalai Lama explains empathy and compassion so well in this quote:

"To the extent that our experience of suffering reminds us of what everyone else also endures, it serves as a powerful inspiration to practice compassion and avoid causing others pain. And to the extent that suffering awakens our empathy and causes us to connect with others, it serves as the basis of compassion and love."

Earth & Sea Holistic Therapies Fact Sheet: How to manage anger in your relationships

Earth & Sea Holistic Therapies subscribe to the Australian Institute of Professional Counsellors (AIPC) RSS Feeds. We received the following article and felt it was a good idea to share the information contained within.



The article contains practicable ways to recognise, acknowledge and correct the behaviours that cause anger to surface. It is particularly important to note that communication styles play a big part in all relationships; communication is covered in this article, however we will base our next fact sheet on the four styles of communication (aggressive, assertive, passive, and indirect).


Source: http://www.aipc.net.au/articles/?p=235
Author: Zahava Starak www.zahava.com.au/about



Anger is an emotion that although not classified as either good or bad can damage a relationship if it is not understood or dealt with in an appropriate manner. It is only human to get angry now and then at issues that are important to us.


If left unaddressed anger can become abusive and may be just one more symptom of a dysfunctional relationship. In this article we are not entering the realms of abusive anger but are exploring how to control anger so it does not escalate and impede the flow of an otherwise healthy relationship.


Why do you get angry?


Anger is not an emotion that inflicts everybody. Some people due to their inherited predispositions and their life experience may be more prone to anger responses than others. Major causes can be:


1. Modelling influences


2. Personality predisposition


3. Limiting attitudes and beliefs


4. Wrong doings by others


5. Communication mishaps


Modelling influences


If as a child you have witnessed either of your parents or other significant people in your life regularly acting out in anger without any negative repercussions you may have learned that it is acceptable to show anger. You may have also concluded that it is okay to be the recipient of anger.


These learned behaviours may now be practiced in your present day relationships, but the consequences may be different from what you observed in the past.


Personality predispositions


Although there are mixed views as to whether or not we can inherit personality traits such as shyness, depression and anger, there is some evidence to support the fact that predispositions to certain behaviours are transferred from one family member to another.


This does not mean that you are doomed to be an angry man or woman just because your father and great grandmother showed anger, but it is best to be aware that there might be a tendency for anger in your inherited make up.


Whether this predisposition will result in angry behaviour is very much determined by different factors such as the influence of any other personality traits and environmental determinants.


Such information on ‘who you are’ can be helpful when creating strategies to deal with your anger in your relationship.


Limited attitudes and beliefs


Anger is not necessarily generated by the events in your relationship but by the thoughts and beliefs you hold. Often these beliefs stem from cognitive distortions, assumptions, judgements and expectations. When your partner by an action or lack of action triggers one of these beliefs your response is that of anger. Some common thoughts you may hold about your relationship are:


• You must always treat me nicely


• I’m always right so do not argue with me


• I should have all my expectations and needs met by you


• You should do what I say


• If I don’t agree with you, you’ll be mad at me so I say nothing


• Why can’t you do things right?


• The world isn’t fair and you can’t see this


• Things must run smoothly in our relationship and they don’t


Whenever these thoughts or similar ones are stirred by incidents both relevant and external to your relationship your fuse is lit, you lose control and act out in anger.


Wrong doings by others and your partner


It is almost impossible to go through life without experiencing inappropriate behaviours from others, including your partner. These wrongdoings can result in resentments and may sit with you and unexpectedly may pop up as anger responses.


Unless these wrongdoings are addressed anger may hover over your relationship indefinitely.


Communication mishaps


If there is a communication breakdown in your relationship as you or your partner fail to listen to each other’s feelings and acknowledge each other’s point of view angry outbursts may be the result. Once you add assumptions and judgements to the communication mix anger may dominate the relationship style of both partners.


When making assumptions you are sending a message to your partner that you know better than them what they are ‘really’ feeling and thinking. Your partner may feel that you do not respect them and with time resentments may accumulate, emotions may fester and anger will rise to the surface.


Just as important as the words you communicate are the non verbal cues you may be transmitting. Your partner can easily pick up on any hidden judgements and criticisms from your tone of voice and body manner, and may respond to you in anger.


Having a general understanding about the ‘why’ of anger may give you a head start in devising ways to manage anger in your relationship.


Strategies you can implement to control anger in your relationship


Recognise your anger cues


If you were aware of the situational and physical aspects that triggered your angry responses you could take steps to avoid them or at least find ways to minimise their impact. If for example your temper is provoked every time you ask your partner for help on a project and they do a bad job, you could just stop asking them. Perhaps your partner has friends or relatives that rub you the wrong way. Unless it is imperative that you spend time with them and therefore may need some additional strategies, avoid stress and anger by steering clear of these sources of irritation.


Change your angry thinking


As the thoughts you hold about your relationship surface and you become annoyed that your partner is not living up to your expectations a burst of anger is just around the corner. Listen to how you talk to yourself when you are angry as your thinking can get very exaggerated and quite dramatic as you fall victim to distorted thinking.


What can you do? Distorted thinking can be countered with rational comebacks such as checking out the situation and the validity of your thoughts; regaining perspective; changing your thoughts to more reasonable ones; and generally being more flexible in your thinking.


Once you have control of your thoughts you have control of your anger and your relationship is safe from the repercussions of inappropriate anger.


Improve your communication


As anger is an emotion it is important for you to become familiar with it and any other emotions that contribute to anger. The best way to do this is by beginning to talk about your feelings on a daily basis. Use “I feel…” statements as often as you feel an emotion emerging, and don’t be afraid to express negative feelings to your partner, as well as any positive ones. It may be helpful to keep a Feelings Journal in which you can record your emotions, and then review the ones that are positive and the ones that contribute to your anger.


The more familiar you are with your emotions the better you will be able to control the negative ones and express yourself in a more positive manner.


Probably the best piece of advise on offer is: “Keep Cool”. The first thing to do when in midst of a heated discussion is to slow down, keep your cool, and think of your response. While doing this also listen carefully to what the other person is saying. With a clear head you can then express your feelings and your views.


To avoid triggering anger in your partner eliminate the use of assumptions, accusations and judgements in your language. Try and use assertive talk and avoid any aggressive statements. You can also consider adding some Problem Solving skills to your communication tool box. Communication is always a big topic but even one change to your communication style may significantly influence your use of anger in your relationship.


Taking time out


When you are immersed in a fiery discussion in which your fuse has already been ignited consider taking time out from the situation for at least 30 minutes so that you can physically calm down and mentally rethink your position.


While cooling down you can work out what you could have done to deal more constructively with the situation by reviewing your self talk and the flow of the discussion. If necessary a quick walk can release some tension and allow you to think more clearly.


At the end of time out you may be able to resume your discussion but if anger feelings still loom and you cannot as yet address them it may be necessary to reschedule the discussion for when you and your partner are feeling calmer.


Stress management


Although we have not mentioned it as yet stress is a major contributor to angry outbursts. When you are stressed your tolerance to deal with your anger triggers is minimal, strategies fall by the wayside and you can easily explode in an angry rage.


It therefore makes sense to practice some form of stress management in addition to anger management. Simple relaxation tools such as deep breathing and relaxing imagery implemented on a regular basis can help minimise anger episodes as well as calm down angry feelings when they arise.


Yoga and meditation have also proved beneficial in calming mind and body. Your diet and the amount of sleep you get all contribute to your level of stress. By making any necessary changes you can improve both your ability to temper your anger and your quality of life.


Anger is one of our more dominant emotions. Although we view it as a negative feeling there are times when anger may be a legitimate emotion, and it may just be a matter of learning how to appropriately express it.


In this article we have looked at anger as a disruption to your relationship, and as such you have been provided with some insights into the cause of anger and strategies to deal with it.


I will leave you now with three actions you can take to help you understand your own anger and how to deal with it.


1. List 2 things that your partner does that triggers your anger. Now write down 2 strategies that you can use the next time you are provoked.


2. Try to think of 2 thoughts that counteract your anger thoughts and write them down as anger management statements.


3. When feeling annoyed or frustrated with your partner think of a productive physical activity that you can use during your time out.

My world famous Pumpkin & Goats Cheese Tart

Ingredients

• 10x (approx 55gm) eggs whisked
• 100ml (approx) milk
• 1x tblspn french mustard
• 1/4 cup parmesan cheese
• 1x 200gm? pkt South Cape Goats Cheese (or any other brand your heart desires)
• 1x (about 500gm) large piece of Jap pumpkin diced into 2.5cm cubes
• 6x french shallots sliced
• 4x cloves garlic sliced
• 100gm pinenuts
• 1x large handful rocket leaves chopped
• 1x cup basil leaves shredded
• Mazetti 4 hat aged balsamic vinegar
• Good quality olive oil
• Sea salt flakes
• Pepper
• Puff pastry (at least 3x sheets) 

Method

• Pre-heat oven to 250 degrees.
• Grease 12 capacity non-stick muffin tins or a large non-stick frypan (if using large frypan you will need to blind bake for 20mins, the muffin tins don't need to be blind baked).
• If using muffin tins, cut pastry into circles (I use a large ramekin as the template) and press into muffin tins. An alternative is to purchase the "Glad" brand "Cafe style" muffin cases and make frittatas without using pastry. This is a great shortcut if you are time poor or the muffin tins are likely to catch the pastry.
• If using a large frypan, simply line the pan with at least two sheets of puff pastry then blind bake.
• Place diced pumpkin, sliced french shallots, sliced garlic and pinenuts in oven proof dish. Coat well with aged balsamic and olive oil. Add a generous amount of sea salt flakes and black pepper.
• Roast pumpkin mix in oven for approximately 15mins (or until pumpkin just cooked). Check pumpkin mix after 10mins and stir to ensure even cooking.
• If using large frypan, remove blind baked pastry from oven after 20mins and set aside.
• In a large mixing bowl, combine eggs, mustard, milk and parmesan. Whisk until combined and set aside.
• Shred rocket leaves and basil and set aside.
• Cut goats cheese into little cubes and set aside.
• When the pumpkin mix is cooked, reduce oven temperature to about 200 degrees.
• If using muffin tins, divide pumpkin mix and goats cheese evenly amongst 2x12 capacity muffin tins then pour egg mix until the muffin tins are just full. Then place in oven to cook.
• If using frypan, mix rocket and basil through the pumpkin mix and turn out into the frypan. Top with goats cheese and add egg mix. Then place in oven to cook.
• Tarts made in muffin tins will take approximately 20mins to cook (check after 10mins).
• Tarts made in frypan will take approximately 1 hour to cook. Reduce the oven temperature to 180 degrees for the first 45mins and cook uncovered. Then cover with foil and continue to cook until set.
• Muffin tin tarts: once cooked, remove from pans and allow to cool on a wire rack.
• Frypan tarts: once cooked, allow to rest in the pan (still covered with foil) for about 5mins; then remove foil, place a large plate atop the tart and turn tart out. Place another large plate on bottom of tart, and turn up the right way.
• You are now ready to serve!!
• Serve with a rocket, parmesan and pear salad.

Eat with passion and joy!
Enjoy :)

Seek > Create > Live

When we're cooking, our minds are working. When we're stirring and rolling and baking, we're thinking. Thinking creates vibrations because that's what thoughts do. The vibrations affect both the food and the people who eat the food. So, cook with care; pay attention to what you are thinking; and don't forget that in the best of recipes, love is the secret ingredient. ~ thoughtfortoday.co.uk

Latest GetUp! Campaign: Women Speak Out

Women are being shamefully overlooked in this election by politicians and the media. The turn of female voters away from Tony Abbott is being dismissed as a turn towards Julia Gillard's gender, while Tony Abbott's archaic and indefensible views on issues affecting women go unexamined and unchallenged.

That all ends today. Watch our new video from GetUp women, putting Tony's words on the record for all Australians to see: http://www.getup.org.au/campaign/WomenSpeakOut

Politicians from all sides are mistakenly assuming that women will simply vote along gender lines. It's beyond condescending, but it also misses the point: political leadership is about so much more. It's about where you stand, who you respect, and what you'll do from a position of power.

It's time to get to the truth. Women and men alike will be shocked by the quotes in this video, each and every line expressed by Tony Abbott himself. See for yourself now, and help put the message on air: http://www.getup.org.au/campaign/WomenSpeakOut

This video features GetUp members--women who have dared to speak Mr Abbott's own words back to him for all Australians to see. They're words that many Australians will find deeply disturbing. Even if you think you've seen and heard it all from Mr Abbott: his absolute opposition to abortion, his daring to weigh in on something as personal as a woman's virginity, his opposition to the cervical cancer vaccine, you have to watch this ad - now. Then chip in to ensure every other Australian gets to see it too: http://www.getup.org.au/campaign/WomenSpeakOut

Throughout his political career, Tony Abbott has advocated views more appropriate to 1910 than 2010. Now, as he asks voters to make him the next Prime Minister of our country, we need him to bring his views into the 21st century.

As Mr Abbott reaches a leading position in the polls, we need to know where he stands. Is climate change still "absolute crap"? Is abortion still just a question of a woman's "convenience"? Is it still "folly" to expect women to ever approach equal representation in all areas of public life? Click here to watch the ad, and get the real questions heard and answered this election.

Thank you for changing this election,
The GetUp Team

Light bulb moment: YouTube + a desire to learn = a video of Carl Rogers in his famous "Gloria" video!

"http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZBkUqcqRChg"

InfoxchangeTV

The Infoxchange Australia team is very excited to launch InfoxchangeTV today. 

InfoxchangeTV is a niche video sharing service that is targeted at the Australian community sector.

The video news and information channel has been established to allow people in the community to tell their stories and showcase their projects using a multimedia format. This assists in archiving ongoing projects, raising awareness about prevalent community issues and will have the capability to influence the broader national policies and practices from the community level.

Our vision is for InfoxchangeTV to be an insightful resource to share community news, events and information. A video repository that reflects the sectors work and represents all facets of the community, health and welfare sectors, regardless of project size or focus. Whether it be a grassroots, national or international project, if it impacts on the community, we’d be interested in its inclusion.

To provide an equal representation of content across the sector and to foster social and digital inclusion, Infoxchange encourages community groups and community service organisations to contribute video content or comments and feedback to the InfoxchangeTV Channel.

We are calling on all community organisations, not-for-profits, council representatives and individuals to contribute and share their videos and multimedia.

Infoxchange has over 75,000 subscribers who each week receive the newsletter Infocast, so this is a great opportunity to raise your project or organisation's profile and share the work you do and human interest stories.

If you have an informative and compelling video about your organisation and the work that you do, or your own, client or community group stories in video format, please email info@infoxchange.tv complete with the link to your video and any comments you may have.

Alternatively, we can upload this for you if you would like to send it to us. Please visit www.infoxchange.net.au for our postal address.


The new website launches today. You can check it out at www.infoxchange.tv

Embark upon an exciting journey!

The journey of life is exciting when you challenge your own weaknesses. Some times your enemy teaches you better than your friend.

A word is wisdom from HH The Dalai Lama

We can't be useful to ourselves unless we're useful to others. Whether we like it or not, we're all connected, and it is unthinkable to be happy all by oneself. Anyone concerned only by his own well-being will suffer eventually. Anyone concerned with the well-being of others takes care of himself without even thinking about it. Even if we decide to remain selfish, let us be intelligently selfish - let us help others.

Stress Down Day - Friday 23 July 2010

Friday 23 July, 2010 is Lifeline Australia’s Stress Down Day. This day is dedicated to reducing the burden of stress on our community, and will encourage people in schools and workplaces to have fun with their fellows, friends or family to reduce stress levels, have fun and raise funds for Lifeline.  The money will go towards helping run our 24 hour telephone support services, a service that is literally life saving for thousands of Australian’s every year.

You simply get sponsored to wear your slippers to work or school, dress up or dress down and have a bit of fun to show that you support Lifeline and its life saving work.  Or alternatively, other ways to show support could be:

• Purchasing Exclusive Stress Down Day Slippers
• Developing your own event (where slippers or a change in clothes are impractical/against OH&S)

The campaign will also provide participants and organisations with useful tools to manage stress in our everyday lives. For more information visit www.stressdown.org.au

Purity

A powerful, yet often misunderstood, aim of spiritual study is purity. Purity of the soul means to return to its original divine qualities. The soul has become so polluted with less than divine qualities, it can hardly enjoy being alive. Purifying the soul puts the higher self back in charge - useless and negative thoughts are removed and annoying habits finish. A pure soul cannot be touched by sorrow; indeed the power of purity is such, it serves to remove the sorrow of the whole world. Purity restores happiness - even bliss. All you need to do, in order to re-establish your purity, is want it. But you need to want it intensely, to the exclusion of everything else. The one thought, "I must become completely pure". sparks a fire of love between you and Source. This fire melts away all the pollution, and your purity becomes such a power that it frees you from all battles for ever.

Happiness...

Happiness is the art of living, the purpose of our existence. Happiness is the true index of quality of life.  Without happiness, life is dry and meaningless.


With happiness, life immediately becomes fulfilling and wonderful. Happiness is an infectious feeling that immediately lifts the sagging spirits of people.


Happy people keep themselves happy because they know the little ways to appreciate themselves and to see the humour and magic in each moment.

thoughtfortoday.co.uk

Insight...

There is a massive amount of spiritual change going on in my Self right now... it's amazing! An insight I want to share is this (and my tummy rumbles as I write this).

If we, as individuals (at the micro level), are doing a lot of spiritual work at the group (meso level), and the planetary climate signifies... collective conscious change, then the societal level needs to shift in order for the change to happy (at the macro level).

Thus, Gillard's upward rise to the positiion of PM is almost akin to Phoenix physically manifesting (Gillard's red hair signifying the notion of Phoenix) to facilitate the macro level change.

Big statements that I'm expressing here... but, it's what I feel so I may as well communicate it in a safe environment where I will be supported rather than judged.

Unprecedented political change in Australia!

In reference to Kevin Rudd being ousted from his position as Prime Minister of Australia in his first term, and following passionate political debate on my facebook profile, I offer the following commentary. 

I am amazed how much debate my comments sparked!

In hearing that Gillard is PM, I feel happy to have a person leading a party that I actually WANT to vote for rather than wasting a vote. In the 2007 election, I had little faith in either KRudd or JHoward's policies and outward facing profile, and hence voted Green.

However, at this point in time I feel happy that we have an intelligent POLITICIAN leading the country. JGillard is educated in politics and emotionally intelligent. It's refreshing to know that she told Abbott "Game on" in cabinet today when she shook his hand. This shows determination and a strong attitude.

It goes without saying that the environment must be acknowledged and considered, for our future generations. As a parent, I have made a conscious decision to only have one child so as that my choices place the least amount of burden on the earth's resources (be it material, social, physical etc).

As a person who works in the public sector, I can safely say that Unions have their place, they're a voice for the people when the people need advocacy. In my role I see people who need assistance in dealing with tough issues, and the Unions help with advocacy and representation.

I guess it's a matter of preference. I appreciate everyone's comments :D

I end my soap box contribution with a thoughtfortoday.co.uk meditation which is, as always, timely for the day's events!

'Give Regard to Every Soul: Because you recognise that everyone is of unique value, you give regard to every soul by never comparing it to another.'

IMPORTANT GetUp! CAMPAIGN to petition the Federal GOVERNMENT on MENTAL HEALTH REFORM

Major shake ups in Mental Health Reform in Australia...

Professor John Mendoza was the head advisor to the Federal Government on mental health. He resigned his position on Friday, citing years of inaction. Now he is joining this public campaign for mental health reform - please join him by adding your name (no matter your country of origin).

http://www.getup.org.au/campaigns/campaign.php?alias=healthreform&id=1125

Thoughts are like ripples on a pond...

Every thought creates vibrations. Vibrations are like sound waves or radiations. No obstacles, no hurdles can stop them.

Self Mastery

When life is reflecting message to you, be sure to stop and listen.

I'm using "critical reflection" in daily practice (the idea of exploring your thoughts and reactions in order to transform the Self) and received this message from thoughtfortoday.co.uk:

'Before trying to master others, be sure you are the master of yourself.'

On the notion of forgiveness...

Why is it hard to forgive others? Usually because we believe that they are 90% to blame for the problem, that I am not as bad as they are. So I start to carry the load of other people's actions. If my ego is too hurt, I will have the sense of correction, of justice: 'I know I am right', 'That is not fair'. But if I start to forgive from the heart, sincerely, then this kind of feeling and attitude begins to dissolve. I remain humble and this forgiveness will bring me closer to others. Then I do not carry regrets or anger, I just let go and remain light.

Shed the past to move forward into the future

A wise soul opens the window to the future by closing the doors to the past.

Child Centred Play Therapy

While interest in play as a therapeutic intervention has been around since the 1920’s, professional interest has grown steadily over the past decade. This has been driven in part by the recognition of the number of children and adolescents who require effective help, counsellors becoming increasingly aware of the seriousness of emotional difficulties often experienced by children and their likely need for treatment and the growing understanding of the usefulness of play in the child’s life.

Play therapy can be defined as a means through which a therapeutic relationship between the therapist and child is created whereby play becomes the principal medium of communication, shared understanding, insight and change (Wilson 2000).

Play is considered a necessity for normal childhood growth and development (Botkin, 2000). It is through play, that children learn the art of living. There is also a congruent honesty and vividness of expression in the way children interact and communicate while in a play situation (Axline, 1974).

Playfulness in children is considered to be a stable aspect of personality related to such things as creativity, imaginativeness, positive effect, emotional expressiveness and physical activity; which are all resources for creative solutions to problems (Botkin, 2000).

In the context of the important role that play has in the normal growth and development of the child play therapy has been specifically developed to take advantage of this in order to help children between the ages of 3 to 12 years of age to communicate and interact effectively with the therapist in order to address their problems or challenges (Geldard & Geldard, 2008).

Through the medium of play, child and therapist work together in a counselling space called a playroom, which is equipped with toys that aim to encourage clear and vivid expression of feelings while supporting the development of healthier behaviours in a safe, non-threatening environment (Herbert & Ballard, 2007; Levy, 2008; Rasmussen & Cunnigham, 1995).

Theories and practice surrounding play therapy differ within each child psychotherapy tradition. However, each tradition is connected by the central proposition that play transmits and communicates the child’s unconscious experiences, desires, thoughts and emotions whereby it can help the child contextualise meaning and communicate concepts beyond the scope of their limited vocabulary and current understanding of the world and the situation they may be facing.

Virginia Axline (1969, 1971) developed a play therapy for children based on key principles of the person-centred approach. Her approach became known as non-directive play therapy. The person centred approach, originated by Carl Rogers, places a primary focus on the relationship between therapist and client that is based on genuineness, acceptance and trust.

Axline devised a clear and concise Play Therapy theory and method around the same ideas and in doing so, identified 8 core principles of play therapy from this perspective of approach. These core principles are outlined below (Geldard & Geldard, 2008).

Axline’s Eight Principles of Play Therapy

1. The therapist must develop a warm and friendly relationship with the child in which good rapport is established.

2. The therapist accepts the child as he/she is.

3. The therapist establishes a relationship in which the child is free to express their feelings completely.

4. The therapist is alert to recognise the feelings the child is experiencing and reflects those feelings back to the child in a manner that allows the child to gain insight into his/her behaviour.

5. The therapist maintains a deep respect for the child’s ability to solve their own problems. The child has the responsibility to make choices and implement change.

6. The child leads the way. The therapist does not direct the child’s action or conversation in any manner.

7. The therapist does not attempt to hurry the therapy along. The therapist recognises that play therapy is a gradual process.

8. The therapist establishes only those limitations that are necessary to make the child aware of their responsibilities.

(Adapted from Ramirez, Flores-Torres, Kranz & Lund, 2005)

The primary goal of non-directive client centred play therapy is to encourage self directed growth and change in the child. This process occurs through the exploration of the child’s feelings through play to encourage the child’s increased sense of self worth (Moustakas, 1959).

Self directed growth is facilitated by the therapist showing the child they are understood while conveying to the child their potential for self growth. Guerney (1983) noted that client centred play therapy cultivates maturity in children by allowing them opportunity for self exploration. Within the permissive and accepting atmosphere of the play room, it is believed the child will come to recognise their own power for self directed growth.

The goal of the therapist therefore, is to establish a safe environment where through play, the child can freely express their emotions, facilitate decision making, gain a feeling of control, and verbalise their experience (Landreth, 1993).

This approach suggests that the therapist’s role is to create the right conditions to promote such desired therapeutic outcomes. There are 3 core conditions considered essential for the therapist to emulate, in order to catalyse the desired outcomes of this therapeutic approach with the child. These are listed below:

Genuineness and authenticity: the capacity to be real and be themselves as distinct from adopting a role or a defensive posture.

Non-possessive warmth: an attitude of caring and being engaged with friendly concern without becoming overly involved emotionally or offering help for self-serving reasons.

Accurate empathy: the ability to feel and articulate those feelings in a way that helps the child feel understood, and which also helps the child gain understanding of their own feelings.

The therapist also must accept the child unconditionally without any judgements, prejudice or stereotypes that may be derived from the child’s behaviour or history of treatment. In non-directive client centred play therapy, responsibility and direction are left to the child, unlike directive play therapy, in which the therapist may assume responsibility for guidance and interpretation of therapeutic dialogue and direction.

Therapeutic sessions are characterised by a warm, supportive, friendly, and accepting atmosphere that helps build rapport. The therapist aims to encourage the playroom to be seen by the child as their own special place, where they can play with things just about any way he or she would like.

References:

1. Botkin, D. R. (2000). Family play therapy: a creative approach to including young children in family therapy. Journal of Systematic Therapies, 19, 31-42.

2. Geldard, K. & Geldard, D. (2008). Counselling Children. A Practical Guide (3rd ed.). London: Sage Publications

3. Gurney, L.F. (1983). Client centred non directive play therapy. In C.E. Schaefer and K.J.O’Connor (Eds.), Handbook of Play Therapy. (pp.21-64) New York: John Wiley & Sons.

4. Hebert, B.B. & Ballard, M.B. (2007). Children and Trauma: A post Katrina and Rita response. ASCA

5. Landreth, G.L. (1991). Play Therapy: The Art of the Relationship.

6. Ramirez, S.Z., Flores-Torres, L.L., Kranz, P.L., & Lund, N.L. (2005). Using Axline’s eight principles of play therapy with Mexican –American children. Journal of Instructional Psychology, 32, 329-337.

7. Rasmussen, L.A. & Cunningham, C. (1995). Focused play therapy and non directive play therapy: can they be integrated. Journal of Child Sexual Abuse, 4, 1-20.


Source: www.mentalhealthacademy.com.au

On Making Mistakes

Mistakes matter. How you recover from them matters even more. The best way to handle a mistake is to learn from the mistake. Then you’ll not repeat it nor ever be paralysed by the fear of making another mistake.

Run Melbourne - 18 July 2010

Want to get fit and help kids? By participating in Run Melbourne and running for Berry Street YOU CAN DO BOTH!

Run Melbourne is a great opportunity for you to challenge yourself and participate in something fun and healthy. It is a great event for people of all ages and will be held on Sunday July 18th.

It’s also a wonderful opportunity to fundraise for Berry Street and help us to change the lives of Victoria’s most disadvantaged and vulnerable children.

It’s easy – simply register for the run at http://www.runmelbourne.com.au/. Then our online partner, Everyday Hero, will automatically create an online fundraising webpage on your behalf. You can then customize your page by selecting Berry Street as your chosen charity. Once completed, simply tell your friends and family so they can jump online and sponsor you.

There are three options available – a half marathon , a 10km run and a 5km run/walk (which gives participants the opportunity to run, do a mixture of running and walking, or you can walk the whole way).

With over 14,000 participants in 2009, 2010 is shaping up to be the biggest Run Melbourne yet. Be a part of this iconic Melbourne event and help to raise much needed funds for the children and young people in Berry Street’s care.

By participating in Run Melbourne you can make a difference.

The Big Swap

From the Fair Trade Australia website http://www.fta.org.au/thebigswap

Make The Big Swap and help make the world a better place.

Let’s get as many people as we can to swap as much as we can. Get active, challenge your friends and swap your usual stuff – your coffee, tea, bananas, chocolate – even your cotton tee shirt – to Fairtrade stuff.

The more we swap the bigger the impact we make on the lives of small-scale producers in developing countries. With 2bn people living on less than $2 a day - swapping your usual stuff for Fairtrade stuff helps create a better life for the coffee and cocoa growers, tea pluckers, cotton pickers and banana growers and their families. As well as a guaranteed minimum price, the extra Fairtrade Premium empowers growers to invest in the future for their communities and help themselves out of poverty. So get swapping!

What can I swap?

Fair Trade products are really taking off. It’s no longer just coffee on the shelves. There’s lot’s to choose from.

Refresh yourself with a Fairtrade hot drink and savour the thought that you’re helping to revitalise the local economy for the coffee growers, cocoa farmers and tea pluckers. Thanks to the Fairtrade premium they can send their kids to school or attend a new local clinic instead of having to walk for half a day for medical help. 

Look for the ever growing range of Fairtrade labelled products in your local supermarket or why not check out the great fair trade ranges from outlets such as Oxfam shops in Australia and Trade Aid stores in New Zealand. And even if your favourite shop doesn't stock Fairtrade, why not take one our 'Swap in Your Shop' postcards and ask them to consider swapping to selling some Fairtrade?

Centre for Reiki Research (by William Lee Rand)

A new web site has recently been launched that provides important resources for those interested in Reiki research. The site features a listing and summaries of all Reiki research studies published in peer-reviewed journals. The summaries have been produced using the Touchstone Process; a highly rigorous method of analyzing all the studies in a particular field. Its application to Reiki research is noteworthy. 

The Touchstone Process was developed by the CRR staff, a group of seven doctorally prepared researchers and five nurses and is unique to the field of Complementary and Alternative Medicine. The site also includes articles on research study design, how to write case reports, documenting Reiki sessions, insurance reimbursement for Reiki sessions and the scientific basis of Reiki. A consultation service is also offered for those wanting to conduct Reiki research. In addition, the site contains detailed descriptions of the Reiki programs offered in 64 hospitals across the US. 

The site is free although it is necessary to register to use the information on the site.  http://www.centerforreikiresearch.org/

Inaugural youth mental health conference with Prof Patrick McGorry

Professor Patrick McGorry is to convene the First International Youth Mental Health conference, which will be held in Melbourne on 29–30 July 2010. This important event will bring together health practitioners, researchers, youth sector professionals and young people and their families, and will ‘showcase the best of youth mental health from around the globe’. 

In addition to Prof. McGorry, keynote speakers include Professor Max Birchwood, Clinical Director, YouthSpace; Dr Christine Bennett, Chief Medical Officer, BUPA Australia; Mr Richard Eckersley, Founding Director, Australia 21; and Professor Bob Illback, Director of Planning & Evaluation, Headstrong. 

Key streams will be youth health and mental health; education and vocational issues; health promotion; drug and alcohol issues; and service reform. It is hoped that this will be the first of many similar conferences. 

For conference details, more about the keynote speakers and to register your interest and be notified when registration is open, go to: http://www.iymhconference.com.au/ 

(Source: Yikes!, newsletter of the Youth Affairs Council of Victoria, v.8, n.2, 2010.)

Mercury in retrograde... say no more!

Mercury retrograde certainly manifest in a strong form over last few days.  Sunday and Monday found me cooped up in bed with a throat like golfballs (although I don't have tonsils), very sore ears and swollen glands.  Fortunately I don't have glandular fever; but this leads me to wonder what personal truth am I holding back?

The week leading up to this bout of ill health was a typically normal week: work, gym, taking my son to child care, spending time with relatives and seeing friends.  Maybe my rigorous gym routine of late has left my inner health depleted?  Perhaps the acupuncture session I had last week brought someting to the surface? Or maybe there was some interaction during the week that was so subtle that I cannot pinpoint in waking life?  Or is this just a coincidence that requires a simple acceptance of what is rather than searching for a spiritual meaning to ill health?

"Acceptance gives me the experience of being like an angel: never judging, never criticising and never worrying" thoughtfortoday.co.uk

Om Namah Shivaya!

Amma (Mata Amritanandamayi Devi)

"We must not complain about the darkness around. We have a lighted candle with us. Take each step with faith. That candle will shed light on the next step." Amma

I am truly grateful for the blessing I received this week from Ammachi. I meditated on the notion of peace whilst in Amma's presence and felt blissfully peaceful after darshan.

I send forth love and light to followers of Earth and Sea Holistic Therapies, and ask that you reconnect with the candle that burns within your heart. May the candle radiate with peace and bliss, rippling to every person that crosses your path.

Om Namah Shivaya!
Merryn

William Lee Rand's World Peace Card Meditation - 14 April 2010

World Peace Card Meditations
Wednesday, April 14, 7:30pm (based on local time in your time zone)

Future Dates
Wednesday, May 12, 7:30pm; Wednesday, June 16, 7:30pm; Wednesday, July 14, 7:30pm

You are invited to take part in the next World Peace Card Meditations. Please mark your calendar and forward this email to all your friends.

Thanks for your help!

Because so many of you forwarded this email to your friends, there have been almost 163,000 downloads of the World Peace Cards. This is a tremendous increase in the number of people using the cards. So far the total number of World Peace Card sets downloaded, received from our free offer and from our magazine has been almost 178,000! I hope you have been using your peace cards as their use brings blessings to the world as well as to you.

The next World Peace Card group meditation has been scheduled for Wednesday, April 14. This is local time in your time zone. This method has been chosen because of the special effect it produces. As people meditate in each successive time zone the energy builds like a wave which gets stronger and stronger as it circles the planet. Because of the higher dimensional nature of consciousness, the energy of peace will be transmitted for a full 24 hours and continue long after this.

Reports from those who took part in the previous meditations indicate many had powerful spiritual experiences. As they united with those taking part in the meditation a feeling of peace developed within that stayed with each for a long time. Some saw beautiful golden light surrounding the planet and others felt that a web of fear was dissipating and being replaced with trust in others and for our future.

All those who have received the cards are being asked to meditate on world peace at this time. By taking part in this group meditation, you’ll be joining thousands of people who will be using the cards to bring peace to the world. By joining together, the affect we have will be greatly multiplied. This powerful experience and will help shift the vibration of our wonderful planet into a higher state of consciousness. As you use the cards to meditate on world peace, you will be a beacon through which peace will spread around the planet which will have a positive uplifting effect on all people.

Please set aside this time to meditate with the cards. The suggested meditation period is 15 minutes, but of course you can meditate longer if you’d like to. The technique I’d like you to use is based on allowing yourself to be a beacon of peace. The World Peace Cards hold the vibration of the World Peace Grids which have been placed at spiritually significant locations and are relay stations for higher consciousness. By simply opening to their energy, you’ll become a channel for their love and peace which will flow through you to all the people on Earth. To do this, hold the cards in your hands or place them in front of you. Then simply meditate on peace.

We are entering a new era. Our entire planet including all the people and living things are moving into a place where it will be much easier to solve our problems and to create peace, prosperity and happiness for everyone. The World Peace Card meditation will quicken this process, making it easier for people to experience this new quality of higher consciousness and will provide great benefit for all people. Since this benefit will be flowing through you out to everyone on the planet, you'll be blessed by this experience as well.

Many have received the cards in the mail or in the Reiki News Magazine while others have downloaded them from our web site. If you would like additional copies of the cards, please download them using this link and print as many copies as you can use. Please feel free to give them to your friends. Also, forward this email to anyone you feel would like to take part in the meditation.

World Peace Card Download

http://www.reiki.org/WPCM.html

Note: This is a larger file and it may take several minutes for it to open, so please be patient.

When printing the cards from this file, print page 2 first, then place this page in your printer and print the image of the peace grids on the back.

Thank you for taking part in this group meditation.

Sincerely,
William Lee Rand
The International Center for Reiki Training

A Peaceful Mind

'Peace of mind comes not from wanting to change others, but by simply accepting them as they are. ' thoughtfortoday.co.uk

Observations and Reflections from Mentoring Training - 27 March 2010

Volunteers in the Making Trax Mentoring Program span the breadth of the twentieth century’s generational ranges. Assuming my guess of age is somewhat accurate; we come from the Greatest Generation (G.I. Generation)/Silent Generation, Baby Boomers Generation, Generation X and Generation Y (Generation, List of Generations in the Western World, 2010).

Notwithstanding age, each mentor brings a vast wealth of life, work and personal experience to the program. From the stories shared in the training session, I hear inner selves that identify with words such as orphan, recovered alcoholic, Koori youth worker/integration aide, personal assistant/holistic counsellor, and employment officer. I believe that each mentor yearns to assist the Making Trax mentees to find their purpose in life and reach their own potential.

Our generations often find contemporary youth to be unprecedented, alien and a generation who ‘want everything now’. Perhaps this is due to being a part of the digital age from conception? Adolescence brings many changes to a child’s world, and if youth are unable to transform in a safe, secure and non-threatening environment, risk taking behaviour increases.

A challenge youth face is to engage in positive risk taking in real time in the real world. It could be said that this is due to the overly cautious society that we live in; public liability insurance and corporate risk management strategies often give youth programs a constraining framework to operate within.

The notion of the village has changed; youth are generally not as connected to elders and therefore basic life skills and manual, traditional ways of doing everyday jobs are being lost. Disadvantaged youth are therefore unable to learn the basic life skills like cooking, washing clothes, mowing the lawns, or sewing because their parents, for one reason or another, may not have the capacity to teach them. “Can communities and society be strong if our children and young people are not?” (Stanley, 2003).

Fortunately, in East Gippsland, youth have been given a chance to engage with adults who care about the collective. Youth participating in the Making Trax Program are able to learn valuable life skills; identify their purpose in life; build their self-esteem; take risks in a safe environment; and grow, learn, develop and have fun.

Works Cited
Generation, List of Generations in the Western World. (2010, March 24). Retrieved March 27, 2010, from Wikipedia: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Generation#Western_world

Stanley, F. (2003, April 8). Communities in Control Speeches, It takes a village to raise a child. Retrieved March 27, 2010, from Our Community: http://www.ourcommunity.com.au/files/fiona_stanley_speech.pdf

“Can communities and society be strong if our children and young people are not?”. (Fiona Stanley, 2003)

I am fortunate to be a part of a mentoring program for Making Trax, which is an Innovation Fund project funded by Department of Education, Employment and Workplace Relations (DEEWR).  

Making Trax is a highly innovative and exciting project aimed at young men aged 16-25 who face barriers to successful participation in the community as a result of childhood trauma, violence, abuse and neglect.

The program uses a very interactive and holistic approach, and works on the premise that long term change for people with significant barriers to work and participation will only be achieved with a long term approach that looks at the whole person, rather than just focusing on developing work skills.

Through group activities, mentoring and individual counselling the program aims to assist these young men to:

• Identify the impact of these experiences
• Explore such impact on their subsequent ability to successfully participate in personal relationships, parenting and employment
• Identify and address learned behaviours which have arisen as a result of their life experiences, and develop strategies to overcome the negative impact of such behaviours
• Provide skilled and committed mature male program leaders, mentors and role models to positively assist them to address the barriers caused by such life experiences
• Build the capacity of each individual to successfully participate in the community, and to participate in future program development

The project will be delivered initially at three Community College Victoria (CCV) member sites in Yarra Junction, Bairnsdale and Benalla over a twelve month period, and subject to positive evaluation and approval from DEEWR, rolled out to a further two CCV member sites for the following twelve months.

The project will develop and trial a model which can potentially be offered to Job Services Australia providers for their Stream 4 clients.

Inspired by The Invitation by Oriah Mountain Dreamer's

It doesn’t interest me if you believe in God/Goddess/Spirit/The Great Mystery… I want to know YOUR truth.

It doesn’t interest me if you believe in marriage or think that God wants every sentient being to be married… I want to know that you could risk anything (materially, physically or emotionally) for the greater good of humanity.

It doesn’t interest me to make small talk because we have to conform to societal beliefs… I want to share passionate conversations about taboo topics such as politics, religion, sex, drugs, racism, human rights aberrations. 

It doesn’t interest me that you stay in a job because you have to… I want to be surrounded by colleagues who love what they do for a living and are dedicated to the organisation.

It doesn’t interest me to be embroiled in petty situations that are unclearly resolved… I want to create a working environment that is expansive and aligned to my heartfelt truths in life – empowering others to awaken their inner truth.

It doesn’t interest me how downtrodden you have been… I want to know your hero’s journey and how you created a healing outcome for yourself.

Rest Easy

After finishing The Call by Oriah Mountain Dreamer this weekend just gone, this is an amazingly synchronistic thought from thoughtfortoday.co.uk!

Rest does not come with sleeping, it comes with waking. This is both an insight and an action of enlightenment. When we are enlightened we realise that real rest is possible only when we become free of illusion and we no longer struggle against life. Illusion is the idea that people should be, and do, what we want them to. The truth is, all is as it should be, despite appearances, or our perceptions of others to the contrary. This means you can be easy on yourself, easy with others and easy with the world around you. Easiness is a virtue, an attractive one at that. It is much more influential than force. So quit forcing, end the struggling and...relax!

Harmony Day @ NuArt

Harmony Day @ NuArt - inclusive creativity: a wonderful way to spend a Sunday morning!

The Desert section... and my snake of transformation and healing. After taking this shot I drew desert flowers to the left and right of the snake. Uluru is featured in the Desert section... I traced around my son and another child's hands on the Uluru image.

Grey - became a brick wall to symbolise the city and the urban environment. My son and I helped paint the background to this section. My son also decided to paint outside the lines, which became bricks tearing away from the wall. A metaphor for my son's personality - a 3yr old boy who is a unique, spirited child... definitely not another brick in the wall. Green - the natural landscape. Blue - the ocean. Red - the desert.