Sunshine Coast Workshop Weekend: 22nd - 24th August. Full line-up and tickets released soon.{sunshinecoast.jpg}
Summer of Peace summit, June 13 to September 21, 2014
For all of us who long for more peace and harmony in our lives and our world, the daily challenges we face can feel daunting.
It can be difficult to know where to turn to find the inspiration and guidance we need to heal the conflicts in our own hearts, in our relationships and in our larger world.
That's why I want to invite you to our special, no-cost summit -- The Summer of Peace -- taking place June 13 - September 21, 2014.
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During this LIVE online series, more than 70 of the world's top peacebuilders, social change leaders, indigenous elders and spiritual mentors, including people like Archbishop Desmond Tutu, Eckhart Tolle, Amy Goodman and Barbara Marx Hubbard, will help you transform conflicts in your heart, your relationships and the world.
It is a call to action, providing not only inspiration, but also specific actions we can take to create both inner peace in our own lives and outer peace in our families, communities and across the globe.
In spirit,
Stephen Dinan
Clean Drinking Water to Tibetan Refugees
Genocide in Tibet has been going on for two generations now, largely ignored by almost everyone. We all admire the Dalai Lama, but allow the destruction of his culture.
India has an ever-increasing number of refugees, doing their best to survive, and to maintain their ancient culture. They need our support.
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The Tibet Fund in collaboration with Lha Charitable Trust, a non-profit based in the Indian state of Himachal Pradesh, is raising funds to provide clean drinking water to Tibetan refugees.
While Dharamsala receives the second highest rainfall in India, the community of Tibetans living in the area still suffers from acute water shortages and the effects of polluted drinking water due to inadequate water storage facilitates and outdated septic systems that are overwhelmed by heavy monsoon rains.
The large number of refugees living in poverty means that the community is forced to rely upon India's inadequate public water system. According to a 2009 survey carried out by Lha staff, 94 percent of Tibetan refugees drink tap water because few can afford to regularly purchase filtered water. Illnesses caused by contaminated drinking water include chronic gastro-intestinal problems, typhoid and cholera.
Sea Shepherd movie online
Some 960 kilometers off the coast of Ecuador, the Galapagos Archipelago is famed throughout the world for its unique plant and animal species.
Sea Shepherd has always considered the Galapagos one of the world's last untouched wildernesses. But even in this remote part of the world, human encroachment is taking a heavy toll on this fragile eco-system.
Since 2000, Sea Shepherd has maintained a strong and positive presence in the Galapagos Islands and are honoured to do so. These 'Enchanted Isles' are a UNESCO World Heritage Site. This means that all humanity has a responsibility to help protect them from illegal exploitation. Over the years Sea Shepherd has, among other things, supplied radio equipment to the park rangers and police and an Automatic Identification System (AIS) to monitor movements of fishing vessels. All in a bid to assist in stamping out the illegal poaching of sharks. Sea Shepherd has also provided education to school children about the importance of protecting sharks. Also, we initiated the K9 unit which is a partnership with the Galapagos police in an attempt to stop the illegal smuggling of wildlife.
Sea Shepherd considers Galapagos an ongoing campaign, one that gives us great pride, and possibly one of the most important in our history and in that of the human race.
In a short film, produced in 2011, we present to you our work to assist in the protection of the Galapagos Marine Reserve and the life within it.
This is the first time this film is being released online and we hope all our supporters can enjoy and appreciate the amazing work Sea Shepherd is able to achieve thanks to your generous and ongoing support.
Any ongoing donations would be appreciated to continue the vital work of Sea Shepherd in the Galapagos.
The Branches of Time, by Luca Rossi
My new fantasy novel, The Branches of Time, was released on 19th June.
I'm thrilled at the opportunity to share my new work with my English readers.
So far, I've received an overwhelming response to my new book. My blog page has been shared 12500 times across all social networks. I can hardly believe that there are so many readers eager to catch it.
The Branches of Time will be released exclusively on Amazon Kindle. My experience with this ebook store has been terrific in the last eleven months. My first book, Galactic Energies, had an amazing response, with thousands of sales and more than 140 reviews.
On Amazon.it, the Italian version, I Rami del Tempo has quickly become a bestseller, topping the charts in both the fantasy and sci-fi categories.
The Branches of Time is the first volume of a series. It will be an exquisite journey in a very unusual fantasy world. As with Galactic Energies, there will again be an amalgamation of fantasy and sci-fi, with the introduction of typical sci-fi themes, like time travel.
And, of course, my readers will find sizzling details about the erotic desires and adventures of all my heroes and heroines. With some slightly crazy beautiful young women and a sweet lesbian love story, eroticism has a primary place in my work again.
Reviews
Recover: Healing And Renewal, by Janis Silverman
Healing Scripts CD reviewed by Janis Silverman
Cancer: A personal challenge reviewed by Janis Silverman
The Open-Source Everything Manifesto: Transparency, Truth and Trust, by Robert David Steele, reviewed by Nafeez Mosaddeq Ahmed
Ascending Spiral, reviewed by Shirley Martin
Calm Ground, by Megan Williams
The Convict and the Rose, by Jan Sikes
The Abduction of Joshua Bloom, by Michael Thal
Recover: Healing And Renewal, by Janis Silverman
Janis Silverman is a breast cancer survivor, and has experienced many other health problems. These could have dragged her down, and perhaps they do from time to time, but she has chosen to use them as springboards to wisdom and inner strength. She shares some of the tools she has developed for herself in this little collection of guided imagery scripts.
Before the scripts, she discusses a brief summary of a great deal of research evidence supporting the benefits of meditation, including guided imagery. Naturally, her literature review focuses on breast cancer, but she has included studies addressing other serious health problems as well. This introductory chapter is very convincing, and should motivate the reader to have confidence in Janis's recommendations.
In her meditative scripts, Janis's use of words is beautiful. Even her prose is poetry.
Her approach to presenting guided imagery is different from mine. My approach has been a literal transcript of what I might say when I lead others in meditation, with the full knowledge that each person will use my words differently. Instead, Janis gives a general guide in a few words, encouraging her reader to fill in the gaps. I think the two approaches are equally valid, although perhaps some of Janis's questions are too general for some people who attempt to implement them without guidance.
I am fortunate in that, so far, I have not suffered cancer, but all the same, when I tried out some of her ideas, they worked beautifully for me. They will work for you.
Janis Silverman is a retired elementary, middle school, junior college and specialist teacher of gifted and talented children. Janis is the author of educational and counseling books for children, as well as a series of four books, Relax, Reflect, Restore and Recover: Guided Imagery meditations for Women with Breast Cancer.
To learn more, please visit Janis' Amazon author page and
her Facebook author page.
Healing Scripts CD
reviewed by Janis Silverman
Take a breath, close your eyes, listen, imagine, visualize. This CD by Dr. Bob Rich, Australian psychologist and author, is an absolute pleasure. Whether you are new to guided imagery meditation, or you are an experienced meditator, you will find these meditation scripts refreshing, relaxing, invigorating, and regenerative.
Before beginning imagery work, find a quiet place where you will not be interrupted. Turn off your technology, sit quietly and breathe softly, slowly, deeply.
Dr. Rich's CD is divided into four sections of his favorite guided imagery scripts.
1. Inductions
Dr. Rich introduces two guided imagery stories to achieve relaxation. I enjoyed listening to Dr. Rich's voice and lovely Australian accent. He helps the listener create vivid pictures in his mind as he travels with him through each story. "Australian mountain top" introduces a total body scan and a walk down from an Australian mountain top, to a special peaceful place. "Descending lift" begins in an elevator to another exquisite and special place. I like Dr. Rich's use of nature in his imagery. The sights, sounds, smells the listener envisions create a deep peace.
As one uses a healing script, he should listen carefully and stop the recording as needed to complete or extend a meditation.
2. Feel Good
Dr. Rich introduces four guided imagery meditations. Again he employs nature to help listeners achieve vivid imagery. These meditation scripts encourage the meditator to visualize, then become part of the scene, and best of all, to leave worry and pain behind. If you are not from Australia, you may need to stretch a bit, as the wildlife and botany may be new to you. This should not hinder the listener, as Dr. Rich's colorful description provides clear pictures.
2. Healing
I love these three healing scripts, finding them creative, with amazing potential to "Stimulate the immune system." The listener will learn a powerful technique to clear infection, colds, sore throats, etc. The "Healing light" script is easily imagined. This is one that can readily be recalled and use anytime, anywhere. A third script has intention to "Heal the planet."
4. Pain Reduction
I especially appreciate the last three pain lessening meditation scripts. Again, Dr. Rich paints images the listener can use immediately to visualize and release pain. This can be used for an infrequent backache or for chronic pain. I had to listen and stop the CD to have more time to immerse myself in Dr. Rich's images. "Modify pain" and "Melt Stabbing pain" may take some practice. It is well worth a bit of time, as a listener will reap the benefits of diminishing pain levels. I am suggesting that the listener may wish to stop the CD and spend more time with these rich images, particularly if she has pain in several areas of her body.
Guided imagery has been researched. Medical benefits include lower blood pressure, reduced stress and pain levels. As a long time meditator, I know that imagery creates calm, better focus and a sense of well-being. Psychologists and social workers may use these techniques with patients. Imagery scripts can be used by an individual in the comfort of his home. Dr. Bob Rich has recorded these extraordinary imagery meditations. A meditator will find favorites and practice them until she no longer needs to use the CD. That is the beauty of imagery meditation. A listener can take these mindful adventures with them anywhere. Once mastered, these scripts are carried in your mind.
A Note from the reviewer:
I have used guided imagery meditation for decades. I have authored five books of guided imagery meditations for children and adults. I am currently writing more of this genre. I am confident that listeners of Dr. Rich's Healing Scripts CD will find relaxation, wellness, well-being, healing strategies and pain reduction. I have tried out Dr. Bob Rich's scripts for several weeks. I recommend them to anyone in search of healing of the body, mind and spirit.
Janis L. Silverman is the author of educational and counseling books
Cancer: A personal challenge
reviewed by Janis Silverman
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Cancer: A Personal Challenge is a collection of professional articles, personal narratives about living with cancer, and articles about mind-body techniques to help cancer patients.
The book is divided into four sections:
- Part One: There is Hope
- Part Two: The Facts
- Part Three: Living with It
- Part Four: Tools for Fighting Back
As a breast cancer survivor, I found the personal narratives in part one heart-felt and very touching. Several anecdotes depict suffering with advanced stage cancers, yet these individuals all concluded in a positive manner. They affirmed that life is worth living, and that they also needed to be there as long as possible for their family members. Hope was the operative word.
Several articles in part two were provocative and compelling. Dr. Bob Rich addressed the role of stress in the development of cancer and how we all need to learn techniques for reducing stress in our lives in order to prevent and to treat cancer. Other professional articles discussed current standard treatments, their effects and some alternative treatments.
Part three really allows the reader into the lives of cancer patients. I found these articles revealing, brutally honest and open.
Finally, Part Four offers comfort and healing to cancer patients. This set of articles is valuable, as they speak about various forms of meditation for cancer patients. Carl Stonier makes the case for guided imagery meditation and its many benefits, such as powering up the immune system and giving cancer patients hope. He emphasizes the value of a patient creating his own imagery to fight his cancer. Stonier recommends psychotherapy as a valuable adjunct therapy for cancer patients.
In Part four Dr. Bob Rich discusses pain management through meditation and hypnosis. His step by step description and vivid examples explain the relaxation process and show how a patient can introduce a new idea, a different reaction to his pain. Dr. Rich also tackles the idea that cancer patients and pain patients can focus away from their pain. Patients can transfer their intentions and thoughts to something purposeful in their lives instead of focusing on their pain. Dr .Rich not only explains the value of trance. He gives the reader concrete suggestions to try while in a deeply relaxed state.
The complete instructions for muscular relaxation are included in article 15’s appendix. These steps to total body relaxation can be recorded for a patient to use. This tool is a true gift to anyone going through mental or physical stress. As a patient tenses and relaxes a muscle group, she says, "Let go." When coordinated with the breath, this is a powerful technique.
Paul Bedson’s article teaches the reader how to use meditation for healing. He teaches several excellent techniques to overcome what he labels as over-thinking. These meditation exercises may be recorded for easy use.
Finally, Dr. Bob Rich concludes this wonderful resource book in his essay titled, "Why?" Dr. Rich discusses the many possible causes of the increasing number of cancers. He implores the reader to care for himself, avoid as many carcinogens as possible, to find and live fully in his purpose, and to work for a cleaner, healthier planet. It is in Dr. Rich’s final essay that he reveals his motivation for editing and contributing to this excellent collection of information and personal insight.
Cancer: A Personal Challenge is not for the faint of heart. Some of it is a rough ride; however, it offers insight and information to patients, their families and friends. Health care practitioners would benefit from absorbing the information and narratives. It may offer them the opportunity to walk a mile in patients’ shoes. Patients reading some of the personal accounts by others fighting cancer will realize they are not walking their path alone.
The medical information and the articles about meditation are invaluable. I recommend Cancer: A Personal Challenge to inquiring minds, those who wish to really "know" what it is like to live bravely with cancer.
The Open-Source Everything Manifesto: Transparency, Truth and Trust, by Robert David Steele
reviewed by Nafeez Mosaddeq Ahmed
This review is too long to reproduce here, but one click will take you to it.
Both the book reviewed and the book the reviewer wrote are important, and worth reading.
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Ascending Spiral
reviewed by Shirley Martin
What goes around comes around might be a good motto for this very well-written novel. Robert Rich cleverly weaves different lives into this story and shows their interconnectedness. Dr. Pip is the connecting thread and learns that each life he's lived had lessons from which to learn and ways in which to grow. The story begins with Padraig in Ireland at the time of the Vikings and continues with Dermot and Amelia, on through other lives. As a conservative, I disagree almost entirely with the author's philosophy, but that fact doesn't detract from my admiration for this thought-provoking novel. Five stars, well deserved.
{shirleym.jpg}With a vivid imagination and a love of storytelling, Shirley Martin has always enjoyed writing. From historical romance, she blossomed out to other romance genres. With several fantasy novels and novellas, her writing should appeal to just about every reader of romance.
http://bookswelove.net/martin.php
Calm Ground, by Megan Williams
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Modern society is designed to make us dissatisfied, worried, unhappy. Contented people don't need to buy things. So, we all need tools apart from retail therapy to relieve distress.
Nearly one-third of people will qualify for a diagnosis of an anxiety disorder at one time or another, and people in the "normal" range also suffer stress and anxiety far more than is good for them. So, Calm Ground by Megan Williams is an invaluable tool for most people.
This little book is a plain-language primer on anxiety disorders, and evidence-based techniques for dealing with them, but it's more than that. It is also a collection of magnificent photos of Australian landscapes including peaceful forests, beaches and mountain streams. Understanding is also aided by helpful diagrams. The pictures are tools for self-soothing.
Although relevant psychological theory is explained, the words and concepts are simple enough for a high school student to follow.
There are useful exercises that anyone can do. They will help at times of anxiety and worry, and more generally will lead to inner peace.
So, do yourself a favour and study this mini-manual, and follow its suggestions.
Megan Williams M.Psych is a Psychologist in private practice She has worked for over 10 years with clients experiencing anxiety, Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder, and many common causes of stress.
The Convict and the Rose, by Jan Sikes
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This book, the sequel to Flowers and Stone, is the intertwined story of two people, harshly separated from each other. Both of them grow through suffering, and learn from unwise choices.
In the previous book, Luke was convicted of a bank robbery he didn't commit, but his code of honor prevented him from pointing the finger at the real robbers. He now faces up to 50 years in jail. During the first part of the book, he is defiant, aggressive, violent -- and as a result, has a hard time of it. Jan Sikes describes a gradual transformation that leads to wisdom, self-restraint, generosity, and personal salvation through a variety of creative arts.
Darlina had already grown considerably in the first volume, but she is only 19. She goes through her own trials, particularly an involvement in the drug culture, and again, we trace her development into a wise, strong, loving woman.
The Convict and the Rose is about these two people, but through them, it looks at a number of universal problems we all face, and is an inspiring guide to making a better life, regardless of our circumstances.
Jan has also announced the release of a music CD to accompany the book. You can buy an autographed copy of both at her's web site.
The Abduction of Joshua Bloom, by Michael Thal
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The Abduction of Joshua Bloom is a fun SF story for young adults. I can't think of any teenager, male or female, who wouldn't enjoy it. Sixteen year old boy is taken by aliens with amazingly superior technology. Surprisingly, they are humans with only minor differences from us, but this is satisfactorily explained by the lovely Anita.
Through the device of an alien culture, Michael presents the moral code humanity needs in order to survive. It is fully believable and workable, and hopefully will influence some youngsters to look at society with different eyes: compassion, decency and cooperation instead of greed and aggressiveness.
Here is a wonderful quote from near the end: "the world will be at peace only when the people of our planet love their children more than they hate their neighbors."
I won't give away even a bit of the plot, but will say that the book is an excellent combination of exciting action and thought-provoking ideas. Despite the philosophy, there is not a shred of preaching or lecturing. It is an exciting science fiction story, and as I've said, it'll be enjoyed by any young person able to read. And, like all good stories for youngsters, it will also entertain an adult.
Michael Thal is a freelance writer and author in Los Angeles, CA. He began his career in public education. Due to a severe hearing loss, he stopped teaching. Since 2001 he has written over 80 articles for magazines like Highlights For Children, Fun for Kidz, Writer’s Digest, and San Diego Family Magazine. He also has an active column about parenting and education in the Internet newspaper, the Los Angeles Examiner. His novels include Goodbye Tchaikovsky (the story of a deaf violinist), The Legend of Koolura (a tale about a girl with extraordinary psychic powers, hunted by a mad man), Koolura and the Mystery at Camp Saddleback (Koolura is back in a new adventure at a sleep-away camp where she loses her powers and needs to uncover a prankster), and The Abduction of Joshua Bloom (The story of a teen abducted by aliens). All his books are available on Amazon.
A bit of fun
Francis and Tony
A new version of the Serenity Prayer
Priorities
Advice to politicians
Francis and Tony
A petition was started, and signed by 3 million Australians. It requested the Pope to have a good word to Tony Abbott about his terrible policies.
Francis decided to do something about it, and picked up the phone. When he got through, he said, "My son, the way you're going, you won't go to Heaven!"
Tony had to reply, "Sorry Father, I'm being paid by a different master."
A new version of the Serenity Prayer
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Priorities
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Advice to politicians
Australia's Prime Monster has justified his "kick the poor, pay the billionaires" budget by saying, "The age of entitlement is over." One response has been the wide circulation of the following, which, I am sure, applies to other countries as well:
Proposals to make politicians shoulder their share of the weight now that the Age of Entitlement is over
1. Scrap political pensions.
Politicians can purchase their own retirement plan, just as most other working Australians are expected to do.
2. Retired politicians (past, present & future) participate in Centrelink.
A Politician collects a substantial salary while in office but should receive no salary when out of office.
Terminated politicians under 70 can go get a job or apply for Centrelink unemployment benefits like ordinary Australians.
Terminated politicians under 70 can negotiate with Centrelink like the rest of the Australian people.
3. Funds already allocated to the Politicians' retirement fund be returned immediately to Consolidated Revenue.
This money is to be used to pay down debt they created which they expect us and our grandchildren to repay for them.
4. Politicians will no longer vote themselves a pay raise. Politicians pay will rise by the lower of either the CPI or 3%.
5. Politicians lose their privileged health care system and participate in the same health care system as ordinary Australian people.
i.e., Politicians either pay for private cover from their own funds or accept ordinary Medicare.
6. Politicians must equally abide by all laws they impose on the Australian people.
7. All contracts with past and present Politicians are void effective 31/12/14.
The Australian people did not agree to provide perks to Politicians, that burden was thrust upon them.
Politicians devised all these contracts to benefit themselves.
Serving in Parliament is an honour not a career.
The Founding Fathers envisioned citizen legislators, so our politicians should serve their term(s), then go home and back to work.
If each person contacts a minimum of twenty people, then it will only take three or so days for most Australians to receive the message. Don't you think it's time?
THIS IS HOW YOU FIX Parliament and help bring fairness back into this country!
If you agree with the above, pass it on. If not, just delete.
About Bobbing Around
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If you are not a subscriber but want to be, email me. Subject should be 'subscribe Bobbing Around' (it will be if you click the link in this paragraph). In the body, please state your name, email address (get it right!), your country and something about yourself. I also want to know how you found your way to my newsletter. I hope we can become friends.
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- Announcements, but note that publication date is neither fixed nor guaranteed;
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Submission Guidelines
It is a FALSE RUMOUR that you need to buy one of my books before your submission is accepted. Not that I cry when someone does so.
Above all, contributions should be brief. I may shorten them if necessary.
Content should be non-discriminatory, polite and relevant. Announcements should be 100 to 200 words, shorter if possible. Book reviews, essays and stories should be at the very most 500 words, poems up to 30 lines.
Author bios should be about 50 words, and if possible include a web address.
