I have now finished reading A New Earth by Eckhart Tolle, the 6 million copy worldwide best seller book that I hope will sell over 100 million copies!
(That would be nice for Eckhart!)

What an intuitive, perceptive and enlightening book on how the masses think in an unconscious way creating their own depression based on their own ego. Living their life in a negative manner by constantly complaining, stressing, hurting  / demeaning others and seeking drama in their own lives as they believe this brings them attention / acceptance, makes them feel important  which they need to fuel on their ego. These people are blind not realising they are creating for themselves and those around them more negativity, drama, unhappiness and depression and continue to live a mundane existence being that of a repetitive self destructive cycle.

This book helps you realise how to live your life with true openness and freedom, find out who you really are, by being present through living you life in the now. Stop searching for happiness in the future and material objects, or in recognition / approval from others; true happiness is already within YOU and can be found every day by being conscious in your thoughts, actions and precious timeless moments.

This book is a must read, it’s time to become more awakened!!!

Building on the astonishing success of The Power of Now, Eckhart Tolle presents readers with an honest look at the current state of humanity: He implores us to see and accept that this state, which is based on an erroneous identification with the egoic mind, is one of dangerous insanity.

Tolle tells us there is good news, however. There is an alternative to this potentially dire situation. Humanity now, perhaps more than in any previous time, has an opportunity to create a new, saner, more loving world. This will involve a radical inner leap from the current egoic consciousness to an entirely new one.

[Images & Information via Eckhart Teachings]

Talk about the experience of a life time!

The Sigatoka River Safari tour is described as “Simply Unforgettable” and two days later my heart still lies in the Village of Vunaqoru with my new friends, especially Aggie.

The day started from our resort in Denarau with a scenic bus trip through the countryside to the Coral Coast town of Sigatoka where we ventured further through the Sigatoka Valley enjoying spectacular scenery of the Fijian country side.

We then began our safari Jet Boat ride with Captain “Jack Sparrow” (Josh) learning about the cannibal history in Fiji. Christianity was introduced to Fiji which put an end to cannibalism but not after a missionary Thomas Baker was eaten for touching a comb in the chiefs hair which the then Fijians felt brought them years of hardship in their villages… click here to find out more. We also discussed the operations of the river and history of the valley.

Upon arriving at our village we were met by a lovely local lady named Aggie and were guided a further 500m into the Fijian highlands. After the protocol was explained including the wearing of a sarong (ladies must be covered past the knees) and the removal of hats & shoes due to respect for traditional culture we proceeded to meet the Village Chief and elders participating in a traditional kava ceremony.

We then walked throughout the village viewing the simplicity of their lifestyle and learning about their day activities. Aggie told us they have no electricity and their next village project is to bring a cable across the river which would cost $11,000 then $300 for each home to be connected to the electricity. They are nearly finished rebuilding their church that was destroyed with the floods in January due to the help of a $5,000 donation from an Australian business man who also fell in love with the villagers on his visit. The villagers use a generator to operate two televisions, have running water from a spring, pay $60 per acre to hire a tractor and sell the numerous vegetables they grow to create an income. The process in Fiji seems to be to raise a little funds, do a little more work to your project, taking time and numerous stages to complete a project which could be seen in the construction of a house and the church.
You will soon notice in Fiji everything is done on Fiji Time – No Hurry, No Worry!

Aggie explained to me they have early nights without electricity, not much TV makes lots of babies, we both couldn’t stop giggling again.

200 people live in the village with the children crossing the river each morning and walking 2km to go to school. Aggie goes to the town once a week on the bus, after crossing the river to buy supplies and said she thoroughly enjoys her day out but it is hard work to get everything back across the river.

The villagers gave us an amazing home cooked lunch and then sang songs and kindly invited us to dance. I couldn’t stop laughing at some of our new groovy moves and had an absolute ball leading my first ever Fijian Congo line through the villagers in the Community Hall.
Upon leaving, I felt terrible for not asking the Chief if he may enjoy a dance!

I asked Aggie if the Chief would mind if I took a photo with him. She said she would ask and couldn’t stop giggled saying “You Single, Chief Single!!” I then also couldn’t stop laughing ,specifying just a photo would be more that generous!

I had so much fun dancing, Aggie offered I could stay with her overnight any time I liked and we could dance all night with breaks to catch our breath. What a kind offer and something I would be delighted to do one day.

As we left in the jet boat it was lucky I had on my sunnies as I felt such sadness and a tear in my eye, thinking how blessed I was to be part of such a special day with such friendly special people and couldn’t stop waving to Aggie till I could no longer see her.

On the return trip we did a few donuts / 360 degree burnouts with Captain Sparrow, squealing with laughter and getting quite drenched.

What a once in a lifetime experience!
I would recommend this tour if you have the privilege of visiting Fiji, get away from the tourism and become a part of the real heart of the Fiji, the people! Your life will be touched by the experience…

10% of your ticket cost is donated to the villages plus you are able to make a personal donation on your visit if you chose to do so.
There are 12 villages in this exciting project with this soon to be 14.

Sigatoka River Safari
Feb 2008 - Awarded Fiji’s Best Adventure Tour at the Annual AON Tourism Awards
Feb 2009 - Awarded the Best Fiji Experience at the annual AON Tourism Awards

This morning I attended an amusing, informative, intelligent and enlightening breakfast and talk with guest key note speaker Dr Shelley Sykes (The Happiness Guru) who is An Expert by Experience, Empowering & Educating People to Re-Learn How to Live Happier Healthier Lives.

As a Speaker she has shared the stage with Anthony Robbins, spoken to audiences of 20,000 people at conferences for the Fortune 100 and  500 Companie as well as huge international Network Marketing corporations. 

“Shelley is one of the very few people who are giving happiness the importance it deserves. I strongly commend her efforts in this direction.”
Edward de Bono – Lateral Thinking Expert 

Dr Shelley is a Best Selling & Multi Award Winning Author of Business, Inspirational Books, CD’s & DVD’s and was kind enough to autograph the two books of hers I purchased – Sexy, Single and Ready to Mingle & The Happiness Bug. To view or buy any of Dr Shelley’s books please click here.
10% of each product and service sold is donated to the Happy Charity Shelley Sykes’ Happiness Foundation. Currently represented in over 133 countries. 

Dr Shelley charges $30,000 an hour for her motivational talks so to have the opportunity of attending this event for $25 in beautiful Hervey Bay was an opportunity not to be missed. The fabulous event was organised by Linda Benn from Heart Light Energy a new business to the area that will be distributing a new well being magazine throughout Hervey Bay next Thursday. I will be in Fiji so can somebody please secure me a copy! A big thank you to Shelley and Linda for touching my heart and giving me new amazing things to think about! “Whoo Hoo!” Can’t wait to read my books!  

The delicious breakfast was held at Buddha’s Table (Restaurant), 486 the Esplanade Hervey Bay with what looked like at least 100 people in attendance!

Here are a couple of tips I have learnt along the way on my personal Get Fit campaign. If you are seriously motivated and do this absolutely correctly weight loss / weight management is FOOL PROOF!!!! It is working for me!!    

•1.    Make an appointment to see a nutritionist to have an assessment to find out how many calories your body requires to function on a daily basis. Whether you wish to lose weight or maintain your weight have your nutritionist break these calories down into how many calories per meal per day.
eg. My Goal: consume between 1150 – 1350 calories per day
Breakfast: <200 calories Lunch: <200 calories Dinner: <400 calories Snacks x 3: <100 calories

I would recommend Health Divine in Hervey Bay for a thorough assessment. 

Health Divine Dietitian for Fraser Coast: Peter St Henry    
An APD (accredited practising dietitian) provides expert nutrition advice for a range of medical conditions.  Peter is an APD and has the skills to transform your eating habits to improve your health, lifestyle and budget.   

Your initial appoitment will include a thorough lifestyle, medical and diet assessment.  You will then receive an individualised meal plan and specific recommendations to improve your condition and feel great about yourself. 

•2.    Keep an accurate food diary / meal planner. To do that you will need to record the calories in every meal and beverage you consume and add them up to meet your nutritionist’s daily recommendations. FOOL PROOF!

A must have book to be able to do this and is available in most newsagencies for around $10 is:

Allan Borushek’s Pocket Calorie, Fat and Carbohydrate Counter

Whether you are watching your weight or just want to eat healthier, “Allan Borushek’s Pocket Calorie, Fat and Carbohydrate Counter” is a must have! Learn how to make better food with this invaluable resource.

“Allan Borushek’s Pocket Calorie, Fat and Carbohydrate Counter” is a national best seller and the most recommended book of its type by health professionals. It’s easy to see why!

The book is compiled by Allan Borushek, dietitian and health educator with over 30 years of clinical experience. With his vast knowledge and experience, he’s the Calorie King! His motto is: “Fat Matters, Carbs Count, but, Calories Are King!”

It’s a fact that most of us drastically underestimate how much food we eat. One of the main reasons is that we really don’t know what’s in the food we eat day-in and day-out. Now you can end the guesswork. You will find the calorie, fat and carbohydrate counts for your favourite foods in this convenient, pocket-sized, and colourful book.

This book is also sensational; around $50:

This = That (a life-size photo guide to food serves) by Trudy Williams

More than 300 life-size full colour photos clearly illustrate serve sizes. Simply place your food on the photos to reveal any differences in serve size. You can easily see which foods to have more or less of for better health and body shape. The result is a quick no-fuss approach to great nutrition by enjoying everyday foods.

Winner of the President’s Award for Innovation in 2005. Updated in 2008. Featured on TV, in magazines and newspapers.

Everyday foods. Your choice. Your health. We photographed real foods without any packaging or branding. The images in this book are timeless.

GOOD LUCK!!!
Oh and don’t forget to add in some regular exercise for maximum results…!

[Information & images via Health Divine, Calorie King, & Food Talk)

Yesterday I graduated with more than 130 former students of the Fraser Coast University of Southern Queensland at the 2009 graduation ceremony held at the Brolga Theatre in Maryborough. This was the largest number of graduands in the 11 year history of the Campus.

I was in the first group of students to ever graduate for the Masters of Professional Studies in Australia. This work place based post graduate degree was established on the Fraser Coast.

A big thank you to Graham Young (Campus Coordinator Faculty of Business) my tutor / mentor, I couldn’t have done it without you. Your guidance, knowledge and support was inspirational. Thanks for turning my light bulb on!!!

I would also like to thank Chris Foley (State Member for Maryborough) for taking the time to see me and explain some issues I had with my study more clearly to me. That was really appreciated, a big help and got me back on track!

The staff at USQ did a wonderful job of organising the event and making sure we all were in order and our correct positions throughout the ceremony.

Hats off to USQ graduates (News; Fraser Coast Chronicle)…… click here to read more.

Master of Professional Studies

Program focus

The Master of Professional Studies is designed to enable professionals to engage in the highest form of authentic learning: to study as they engage in real world, real time activity; and to combine their work and study in ways that lead to benefits for both the individual and the organisation.

Accordingly, the program aims to provide opportunities for professionals with the appropriate entry qualifications to gain post-graduate qualifications and enable them to critically review literature to address theoretical and practical questions and issues in their workplace field, and to design and implement projects to further investigate these questions and issues.

A couple of interesting reviews on the Andrew Johns Group Sex Scandal

Yes does not mean yes

But bad judgment is not the only problem with insisting only on “consent”, not morality.

Consent also means it’s every man for himself. That you can do whatever you can force some silly or intimidated woman to agree to, however much it will hurt them.

If this teenager consented to group sex, there was nothing more for Johns and his mates to know. Indeed, none seemed to think they had a duty to protect this young woman from what degraded them all. … click here to read the full story.

Does group sex make men fearless? Or are they just gay and frightened?

While it is hard to imagine my wife doing a female tag team in the hotel with the concierge, it is equally hard for me to understand why groups of men do this. Am I the only one that thinks it is totally gay? I don’t mean gay in some kind of pejorative sense, I mean gay as in homosexual. I may be behind the times but I cannot understand why any man would want to be in a room with five of his best mates in all their tumescent glory….. click here to read the full story.

One of the boys

These athletes rarely ever show remorse for the morality behind the deed. They only seem to be sorry for the subsequent embarrassment and pain it caused after they were caught. Are any of them sorry for the actual behaviours, regardless of whether they get busted or not?

When was the last time an athlete came out and said something like “my actions were disgraceful and I should not be engaging in that sort of behaviour in the first place because it is just plain wrong?”…. click here to read the full story.

[Image via The Sydney Morning Herald]

New Enterprise Incentive Scheme – providing new opportunities for growing business

When Hervey Bay’s Jeanette Maynes was made redundant in 2004 as marketing manager of a hospitality establishment, she had no idea it would be the best thing that had ever happened to her.

Forced to consider a new career path, Jeanette decided it was the right time to start her own business.

Now a 2008 Telstra Business Young Business Woman of the Year Finalist, Jeanette owes a part of her success to the team at Mission Australia’s New Enterprise Incentive Scheme (NEIS) …….. click here to read more.

Thanks to Mission Employment Toowoomba especially David Rozynski!

[Image & info via Mission Australia]

Friday night my friend Naomi & I booked into Jupiter’s Casino to watch Lady Salsa!!! What a sensational, electric & high energy performance. We thoroughly enjoyed the show and even went up on stage and did some Salsa! The show is a must see!

Shake your maracas and shimmy on down for the sauciest stage show in Jupiters’ history.
Hit the steamy streets of Havana and take a dip in the red hot world of Rumba, Mambo and Salsa for the dancing revolution that changed the world.
Lady Salsa is a stunning dance spectacular that charts Cuba’s vibrant and amazing history through the music and rhythm of this intoxicating island.
This whirling kaleidoscope of dazzling colour and seductive glamour features the red-hot rumba, mambo, cha-cha-cha and the sensational salsa. Gorgeous dancers in an incredible array of glittering, sexy costumes and an impossibly funky band, transport you to the steamy streets of Havana and the world of Salsa, rum and revolutions.

Saturday it was off to DouDouLe Latin Dance Camp 2009 for a full day of dance workshops plus a party and some amazing performances!!! This camp is organized by Jean-Luc Lambs whom I met and found to be an extremely pleasant, professional and helpful person. The thank you speech at the end of the night seemed to sum up his personality with the comment, “Heart of Gold!” What Jean-Luc is doing for the Australian Latin Dance Community is sensational and even with all the pressure of organising such a huge event he displayed no signs of stress. The 368 Latin enthusiasts in attendance had the choice of over 20 different Latin workshops in a range of levels throughout the day, followed by a huge party with the Sauciest & Hottest Latin Dancing I have ever come across.

The Party included performances from some of Australia’s most famous and talented Latin Dancers. It was an amazing experience to be part of such a huge Latin dance event and to feel the electric energy run through your body. I can’t wait for next year’s camp!!! 

Saturday Nights Performers: 
1.     Jaime Jesus & Mary (Jaime organises the Sydney Salsa Congress)
2.    Latin Motion Rising stars
3.    Kevin & Chelsea
4.    Carlos & Elli (Australian Salsa Cabaret Champions)
5.    Csaba & Val
6.    Kadu & Larissa (who made Zouk famous in Australia)
7.    CDA Samba
8.    Modus Vivendi
9.     Oliver Pineda & Luda Kroitor  (the current 5 times World Salsa Champions from ‘Dancing With The Stars’) 

Right on the beautiful beaches of the Gold Coast….DouDouLe Latin Dance Camp was founded in 2008 by Jean-Luc Lambs , who is also the Organiser for Brisbane Number 1 Latin Club “Casablanca Sunday Salsa Seduction”. Jean-Luc is also the Official MC to many Latin Parties, Festivals , Congresses and Concerts around Australia and has built himself a reputation for being partly involved in bringing the Latin Community together in his home town Brisbane.

DouDouLe Latin Dance Camp is designed to bring all Latin Dancers from different schools and cities under 1 roof, in a different setting and environment to your Dance Halls. A relaxed, Holiday environment makes this Latin Event one of its kind and it’s right on the Beaches of the Famous Gold Coast. His ideas of everyone together under 1 roof is to bring Unity and Love and also bring Dancers closer together by sharing more personal time together and the Passion that everybody brings with them , which is Latin Dance. For more information please click here .

 [Info via Jupiters Casino & DouDouLe Latin Dance Camp]

What an enormous achievement actually making it through a month of BOOTCAMP with the last session today being in the pouring rain!

How to best sum up the BOOTCAMP experience hhmmm; pain, pain & more pain!!!!!!!!!

My muscles have been sore everyday for a month; the weekend wasn’t even enough time for them to heal. I’ve never run, pushed, pulled, carried or exercised so much ever and especially been pushed to my limit or exhaustion point each time.

I also had to give up BEER OMG (could be seen by some as a good thing)!!! Otherwise I don’t think I would of had the energy required plus I have also been slowly altering my diet to more healthier options.
The money saved on beer covers my bootcamp and membership fee’s, so I’m not out of pocket in this get fit process.

Other than that I found the experience quite amusing and rewarding. 

How funny to be crawling on the beach in sheer exhaustion, red faced, breathing heavily, dripping sweat, trying to get to my feet while the Commando is next to me shouting, “On your feet now MAYNES!” in front of shocked bystanders. 

The other recruits were so supportive, it was motivating to be encouraged and helped by strangers especially when you came slowest for nearly every activity, I felt this saved me from getting a complex or worse still, considering quitting!
Or maybe they helped me so we didn’t fail activities and get punished; hhmmmm was their assistance really for their own personal gain!
Makes sense to me; either way they were a sensational group and I wouldn’t have made it without their support and experience! 

The activities and systems in place are extremely well organized, timed preciously, have variety, are conducted in the perfect location and are tailored to create maximum results for all members at the same time. Well done to Ben (The Commando) and the Beachfit team for such a successful and professional personal fitness experience and business operation. 

I would highly recommend this for anyone looking for a REAL CHALLENGE!

Yeah! I survived; the Commando couldn’t break me… (Though I know he could if he wanted too!!!) 

Results                      Start of month                     End of Month               
2.4km run                   14.33mins                             13.45mins
Push ups                        25                                       31    
Sit  ups                          30                                       39
Weight                                                                     - 2.5kg

Hhhmmmm shall I enlist again next month?

Related Story

My latest read; ‘The Power of Now‘ by Eckhart Tolle. 

What an extraordinary book by an inspiring, exceptionally wise and intelligent author!

This is a truly amazing book and has been recommended to me at the perfect stage of my journey, thanks Jamie. This book clarifies what I have been experiencing in my mind for the last three and a half years, an awakened consciousness. Repetitive thought, negativity, one’s conditioning and sense of self derived from the past no longer controls my life, emotions or actions, I do.

I have just started reading A new Earth and have also bought Stillness Speaks and Practicing the Power of Now. All these books are essential reading for spirituality and living your best life! There is always so much more to learn, grasp and put into practice… especially to live in the Now!

The Power of Now has been widely recognized as one of the most influential spiritual books of our time. A #1 New York Times bestseller, it has been translated into over 30 languages. The book has helped countless people around the globe awaken to the spiritual dimension in their lives, find inner peace, increased joy and more harmonious relationships.

To make the journey into The Power of Now we will need to leave our analytical mind and its false created self, the ego, behind….

ARE YOU READY TO BE AWAKENED?

When you are present in this moment, you break the continuity of your story, of past and future.
Then true intelligence arises, and also love.
The only way love can come into your life is not through form, but through that inner spaciousness that is Presence.
Love has no form. 

Please click here to read Oprah’s interview with Eckhart Tolle. 

[Images & Information via Eckhart Teachings]

Dear Lenny & Mio, Thank you for such a fun, action packed night! Your performances, Zouk lesson and the way you worked the crowd was sensational!!! Thanks for making our Salsa Party so special and please come back to Hervey Bay soon to dance with all your new friends! The professionalism of your company and performances is to be commended.

Once again the Deck Restaurant was packed for another huge night of Salsa dancing!!

We started the night with some drinks and our buffet dinner then the dancing began with two performances by Lenny and Mio from the Vida Latina Dance Gym in Brisbane.

To find out more please click here.