While everyone was enjoying the Anzac Day public holiday today, I thought I would take advantage of the day off work, to work on my business with a photo shoot for my latest work marketing campaign for Design House!

I decided to use the services of Lisa Klein Professional Makeup Artist as Lisa is a close personal friend of mine. We grew up as neighbours and best friends when we were young and hung out together nearly every day. I used to love to braid Lisa’s waist length red hair and paint her nails when she was a little girl.
Now Lisa has made beauty her passion and creates human masterpieces!
She really does a professional and extraordinary job and has extreme pride in her work with thorough product knowledge!

Give Lisa a call if you want to be noticed as the ‘Princess of the Party’, ‘Bride of the Year’ or ‘Boss of the Business Function!’

Lisa Klein Professional Makeup Artist, click here to see Lisa’s facebook page and amazing make overs | wedding make up!

I also can’t wait to see my photo shoot proofs from Stewart at Stewart Photography!
We certainly  came up with some exciting new concepts today!!!
Show me the ‘Money Shot’ Stewart!

I have finally found what I would call my BIBLE!

…. something that makes clear and concise spiritual and life sense to me! Finally!

Beginning my spiritual journey over five years ago, when I finally realised I can make choices and changes in my life, I had heard of Louise Hay but never picked up her books.

OMG her philosophy based on forgiving your past, reprogramming our negative and self destructive though patterns and learning to love ourselves is universal to every human being!

We are each responsible for all of our experiences.
Every thought we think is creating our future.
The point of power is always in the present moment.
Everyone suffers from self-hatred and guilt.
The bottom line for everyone is,
“I’m not good enough.”
It’s only a thought, and a thought can be changed.
We create every so-called illness in our body.
Resentment, criticism and guilt are the most damaging patterns.
Releasing resentment will dissolve even cancer.
When we really love ourselves, everything in our life works.
We must release the past and forgive everyone.
We must be willing to begin to learn to love ourselves.
Self-approval and self-acceptance in the now are the key to positive changes.
When we really love ourselves, everything in our life works.

I have been learning abit about Buddhist meditation but feel being brought up Catholic and finding that too constricting in my life I don’t really want to take on another religion at this stage plus focusing on different breathing patterns and counting colours associated with calm abiding meditation was not especially what I was looking for. But I agree with Louise’s comments on meditation and think I will give that ago:

Meditation in any of its forms is a wonderful way to quiet the mind and allow your own “knowingness” to come to the surface. I usually just sit with my eyes closed and say, “What is it I need to know?” and then I wait quietly for an answer. If the answer comes, fine; if it doesn’t, fine. It will come another day.

This is another concept I like and see a lot of people struggling with:

So many of us feel that money is the most important thing in our lives and that we could not live without it. This is not true…. Our breath is the most precious substance in our lives and yet we totally take for granted that our next breath will be there. If we did not take another breath, we would not last three minutes. Now if the Power that created us has given us enough breath to last for as long as we shall live, can we not trust that everything else we need will also be supplied?

Being brought up Catholic and taught as a child that sex before marriage is a sin, I also absolutely love this philosophy now that I am free to chose what I believe is right for my body and values…

Who told you to deny any part of your body? Certainly not God. Our sexual organs were created as the most pleasurable part of our body to give us pleasure. To deny this is to create pain and punishment. Sex is okay, it is glorious and wonderful. It is as normal for us to have sex as it is for us to breathe or eat.

Just for a moment try to visualise the vastness of the Universe. It is beyond our comprehension. Even our top scientists with their latest equipment cannot measure its size. Within this Universe there are many galaxies.

In one of these smaller galaxies in a far-off corner, there is a minor sun. Around this sun a few pinpoints revolve, one of which is called Planet Earth.

I find it hard to believe that the vast, incredible intelligence that created this entire Universe is only an old man sitting on a cloud above Planet Earth … watching my genitals!

This book is also amazingly illustrated by Joan Perrin Falquet!
I thrive on colour and this version of the book is full of it, creating a positive happy vibe.

Reading this book feels to me like what I think winning the Lottery would feel like!!!!
I hope you feel the same when you read it! x
Don’t delay like I did!

Thank you Louise, all my love Jeanette xoxo

My Book Store HERE!

Well here’s a proactive solution to my story; Do you believe in love at first sight or should I walk by again?  More info here.
But unfortunately I don’t have $10,000 to pay someone who introduces the perfect partner!

Here is Chas’s interesting &  ingenious proposal…..

He states, “It’s simple. Introduce me to the girl I end up marrying, and I’ll give you ten grand.” He intelligently figured, “Why not create a site where I am the only guy! ….. If this helps me find a soulmate, it’ll be worth bazillions.  ….. I’m serious but I’m not insane.”

I like his website HOOK CHAS UP; the design is classy, simple and sophisticated making it visually pleasing and easy to navigate for his potential suitors and referrers.

I think one must be creative in all aspects of their life!

Nice work Chas and all the best for your journey, please get that blog going and keep us all updated!

I was recently reading an article online from the Fraser Coast Chronicle titled ‘Where are all the Single Men?’ … view here.

It states;

FOR all the 30-something women out there who have been unlucky in love it will come as no surprise that the older one gets, the harder it is to find Mr Right.
A report based on a recent Census shows that in Hervey Bay in particular, there are 682 single women for every 523 single men in the 30-39 bracket.

‘Where are all the Single Men?’
I’ve never come across these 523 single men in the 30 – 39 bracket (that are gorgeous, intelligent, respectful, well mannered and have pride in their appearance)?
Or could past experiences at local restaurants, bars and online have tainted my opinion of our apparent local talent…?

• Perhaps they are the ones I’ve met that can’t hold a conversation by 10pm due to alcohol consumption?
(Beware of the LOCAL DRUNK!)

• or the one that came over drunk and directly asked me for F#*K? What not even bought a drink first nowadays, I queried, before I replied using F#*K OFF myself, the only language that would be understood in this situation.
(Beware of the IDIOT WITH NO MANNERS!)

• Or how about as you are leaving to go home after a night out and a bloke comes over and says, “my friend wants to talk to you” … I query, I have been here all night did the cat have his tongue, besides we are not in grade eight anymore and proceeded to go home immediately when the man in question came over, stood in front of me and said nothing as he was too drunk or perhaps he was just blinded by my beauty!
(Beware of the I’D LIKE TO TAKE YOU HOME BUT I’LL SEND MY BUDDY OVER BECAUSE I HAVE NO BALLS AND AM TOO DRUNK TO TALK!)

• Or perhaps the man that came over to me at a bar and asked if he could take me to dinner. Then drank excessively and wedged his own underpants and shorts up his bottom in front of me (and everyone) at the bar till they became a g-banger and his testicles hung out either side? I took a photo, printed it and gave it to his friend the next day who took it to his work place displaying it to all. Needless to say he was mortified, couldn’t remember a thing, swore he would never drink again and still blushes whenever he sees me.
(Beware of the I CAN’T REMEMBER ANYTHING!)

• Or maybe one of the numerous drunk men that have grabbed my breast or butt in full view of all, then become aggressive when given a very loud verbal dress down that this is sexual assault an act that is punishable by law, that will not be tolerated and clearly demonstrates their pathetic and disrespectful character. In most cases security has removed the offenders from the venues.
(Beware of the SEXUAL PREDATOR!)

• Or the local health professional who took me on several dates paying for everything and when I queried whether we were friends or dating …. Thought for awhile then said friends and never spoke to me again? I was confused at first, I felt I had lost a friend but thought there has to be a lesson to be learnt here! Then I realised, I was never a friend, I was being finetuned to be a ‘Friend with Benefits’ (Thank god I was never a nook in that bedpost!!!). So why be disappointed about something that never was (the friendship), or why waste time on someone that can’t handle a straight forward honest simple question? How funny!
(Beware of the PLAYER / TIMEWASTER!)

• Or perhaps the local man that was dating someone I knew, hitting me on RSVP whilst being in what she thought was a secure relationship?
I had to take my profile down due to hundreds of men hitting me daily that just couldn’t seem to read my preferences. Must have no children, must be a non smoker, must have a certain level of education, must be fit, NO I don’t want to date someone with a mullet wearing thongs aged in their sixties!!!
When I changed the first sentence in my profile to ‘NOT INTERESTED IN A ONE NIGHT STAND’ there was a remarkable drop in my profile interest! LOL Go Figure!
(Beware of the ONLINE FAKE ILITERATE STALKERS!)

And who says there is anything wrong with be unlucky in love, could it just be an intelligent professional personal choice nowadays? …. Let’s see;

1. Ask for permission to leave the house? Or jump on the Harley whenever you like!
2. Clean up after someone? Or have a tidy home where everything is where you left it!
3. Slave over a hot stove in the kitchen for others? Or grab a delicious Thai takeaway.
4. Stay at home with the children? Or do whatever you like when you like?
5. Live day to day to meet the bills? Or Travel, save, buy property, have adventure, new experiences?
6. Constant noise, chatter and winging? Or a serene, peaceful, relaxing existence.
7. Sit on the couch and watch the footy? Or get outdoors and go climb a mountain!

This list could go on forever … It’s not just men wanting to protect the life and wealth they’ve created in their 20s / 30s, women do too. Why should you date someone who hasn’t worked as hard; whether family, financial, intellectual, spiritual or physical health?

I personally believe a lot of men and women especially in the age bracket mentioned above lack manners and self respect nowadays, they carry baggage, and chose not to engage their intelligence which then has a ripple effect that can be seen in all aspects of their character, life and repeat failed relationships.

I think it is the same for men and women when looking for relationship qualities;
Do you love and respect yourself?
Do you respect others?
Are you willing to give what you are expecting to receive?
Are you willing to complement and enhance someone’s life?

Why would you chose to be with someone that can’t have open, honest and clear communication with?
Who wants a player, life is too short for games?
Why would you want to be with someone that disrespects you?
Why would you want to be with someone that abuses alcohol?
If education is important to you why would you settle with someone that is not?
Would you want to be with someone that is not comfortable within themselves?

The article goes on to read….

In the 20-29 age bracket, there are 926 single males (the majority of whom are tradies) for every 891 single females.
This could be bad news for the eligible bachelors who have to work a little harder in a tougher market but it could also be a sign for 30s gals who might be prepared to set their sights on someone a little younger.

So perhaps being single, living the dream and enjoying the Cougar life could be on the rise in the Fraser Coast!
Has ‘Sex in the City’ finally caught on in Hervey Bay!!!

Happily single, with an open heart, till a strong kind man values my positive, humorous and professional qualities!!!
I’m not going to change my life for second best!

PS. Always remember you’re unique, just like everyone else!

(Honestly where do the ideal men hide out in Hervey Bay and where do you meet them if not at a bar, or without moving a far, hhmmmmmm something may need to be done about this?)

Here is some very interesting information in regards to how many calories are in junk food. Check out the table at the bottom of this page

From 1 February this year, all major fast food chains must display the kilojoule (calorie) counts of their food with the same prominence as the price. For instance, the Grand Angus has 2630 kilojoules (630 calories). This “in-your-face” information is designed to make consumers take stock of what they, and their children, are eating.  

It’s not only the Macca’s, Pizza Huts, Pizza Havens, Eagle Boys and KFCs that have to comply. Any food outlet that has 20 or more outlets in NSW, or 50 or more nationwide, will have to display the average adult daily energy intake of 8700kJ plus the kilojoule content of their foods. They have a year to comply.  

So if I ate a Grand Angus 630 calories + a large fries 452 calories + a chocolate thick shake 440 calories = 1522 calories (that is over a whole days calorie intake for me in one meal)

To burn that off I would have to run nonstop for two and three quarter hours! 

There is an awesome calculator on the My Doctor website for working out how many calories you burn during different exercises. 

[Image & Information via Foodwatch & My Doctor]

Well I have found another new love to add to my fitness regime and that’s SPIN (RPM Classes) 3 to 5 times a week!

WHAT IS RPM?
Take on the terrain with your inspiring team coach who leads the pack through hills, flats, mountain peaks, speed work and interval training. Discover your athlete within – sweat and burn to reach your endorphin high.

1.    Warm Up – Warm up the legs and increase the blood supply to the working muscles.

2.    Pace – The intensity increases as you work through intervals of speed to prepare for the demands of the class ahead.

3.    Hills – Designed to increase leg strength and endurance, you perform a series of climbs with increasing intensity.

4.    Mixed Terrain – After some initial active reovery, we ride a series of fast flats and short climbs.

5.    Intervals – You burn lots of calories in this track! It’s a race simulation with a series of attacks which will peak your heart rate. The main objective is to work and revcover through interval training.

6.    Speed Work – After some initial active recovery, you develop fast leg speed through high-speed intervals.

7.    Mountain Climb – As in Track 3, the focus is on strength and endurance in a series of climbs that build in intensity. This is the last working track.

8.    Ride Home – Finish the journey and recover by lowering the heart rate and flushing the working muscles.

9.    Stretch – A final stretch to complete the workout and assist recovery.

Most people go once and vow never to return where as I get excited at the prospect of a full hours maximum workout every time guaranteed that hits the PAIN meter!!

You could burn between 600 – 1200 calories per class, talk about shed those extra kilo’s in no time flat!

Oh and it’s wise not to eat before your first class!!!

I do my classes at Breath Health Club in Hervey Bay where I also do Body Pump (weights), Body Combat & Zumba Classes (all classes go for an hour).

[Information via Les Mills website]

WOW, I have so many exciting ideas and goals for this year, 2011, that I could just burst!!!

Do You???

If not, this clip ‘Will Smith Wisdom’ may help to inspire you …. one must live their best life!!!

“Those That Take The Hard Road Through Life – Find Life Easy. Those That Take The Easy Road – Find Life Hard.”

This website is an absolute GEM; WIGGLE!

It really has saved me hundreds of dollars on training equipment especially running shoes. 

For example my Asics Ladies Gel Moriko 5 GTX Shoes; trail running gore-tex (waterproof) shoes I wear for Bootcamp are currently $87.90 including shipping to Australia (normally takes about a week) 

RRP on the Australia Asics website and in sports stores is $220! 

My Asic & Nike normal runners I always save between $100 to $150 compared to what I would pay in Australia! 

Every cent counts nowadays!

Top right had side of the Wiggle website you can change the currency to Australian.

Finding the cost of a spray tan each week over the summer festive season putting a hole in your pocket?

Here is a natural alternative you can apply yourself in the comfort of your own home for about $26 – $29 a bottle. You should get a couple of months out of a bottle so very cost effective.
The application may take a few attempts to master doing it yourself to get a nice even colour!
Delivery was very prompt.

One is a spray and one is a lotion, definitely a safe way to have a gorgeous golden glow this summer!

Santorini Fake Tanning Lotion 250ml

AWARD WINNING ORGANIC SUNLESS TANNING SOLUTION

Santorini Sun is the ultimate self tan lotion. It’s an innovative self tan lotion – giving you that luscious, just returned from the Greek islands, sun kissed glow.

Santorini sun is the perfect blend of natural ingredients that will keep skin moisturized, radiant and hydrated throughout the tanning process. It is formulated with organic oils (high in antioxidants) green trea extract, organic herbs, vitamins and natural colors. Our slimming agents go to work while your tan develops. Discover a slimmer tanner you!

Designed for those who settle for nothing but the deepest and darkest tan attainable, without the risks. Slow fading, long-lasting, in a certified organic breakthrough formula. This is the ultimate, red carpet glamour, MUST-HAVE fashion accessory!
 

Lavera Self Tanning Lotion 150ml

All natural paraben-free skin care and makeup made in Germany for over 20 years. Made to the strictest European standards with Certified Organic Ingredients, Lavera is perfect for even the most sensitive skin!

Product Features
Get a safe, natural looking tan without sun exposure! Organic soy extracts provide the active ingredient and are combined with extracts of sugar to deliver a smooth, foolproof application and a natural, even result. Organic jojoba oil, calendula, aloe vera and rose water offer moisturizing benefits and leave skin feeling refreshed.

Special Innovation Prize 2002 Europe.

Directions
Use: For face and body. Exfoliate skin thoroughly and apply as you would body lotion, using light, sweeping movements. Tanned effect visible within 1-2 hours. Can be built up to achieve desired intensity. Remember to use sun screen for outdoor protection. 

[ Information and images via Inspired Wellbeing ]

PS. I found the top one worked the best

What a fool proof way to shed a couple of kilos leading up to Christmas.

When everyone else is putting them on why not take a couple off!!!! 

It’s also another Fantastic FREE application for the iPhone.

My progress in week one was 2kg…. (though I did burn 4297 calories exercising for the week on top of my 1200 calories a day intake!)

Created by MyFitnessPal – Free Weight Loss Tools

MyFitnessPal is a diet and fitness community built with one purpose in mind: providing you with the tools and support you need to achieve your weight loss goals.

Losing weight isn’t easy – we know. But with a membership to MyFitnessPal.com, you’ll get the tools you need to successfully take weight off – and keep it off. And best of all, everything on our site is 100% FREE. So put away your credit card – you’ll never have to pay a cent….

With a 100% FREE membership you get:  

• The easiest to use food diary on the web -
Track what you eat with just a few clicks from anywhere with an internet connection – at home or at work

• A searchable food database of over 593,000 items -
and it’s growing everyday!

• Your own personal food database -
add your own foods and recipes at any time and access them from anywhere with an internet connection

• Free mobile apps for iPhone and Android -
so you can log your meals and exercise even when you are on the go

• Support and motivation -
from people just like you – Our discussion forums let you learn from others, share your own tips, receive and give encouragement, and make friends.

• A personalized diet profile -
customized to your unique weight loss goals.

• Flexibility -
our system can support any diet like Atkins, the South Beach Diet, the Zone, and more. No matter what diet you’re on, we can help.

What is your BMR?

Your BMR (Basal Metabolic Rate) is an estimate of how many calories you’d burn if you were to do nothing but rest for 24 hours. It represents the minimum amount of energy needed to keep your body functioning, including breathing and keeping your heart beating.

Your BMR does not include the calories you burn from normal daily activities or exercise.

Figure out your BMR here

[ Information via My Fitness Pal ]

Mt Everest ‘Think Big’ Trek 2010

  
“It is not the mountain we conquer but ourselves.”
Edmund Hillary

Next month I am off on what will be one of the biggest life changing experiences I may ever have!  

I’m hoping to completely overhaul my mind, the way I see life and business, develop my creativity, create new opportunities and contacts plus become even more passionate about all aspects of my business, my clients businesses and the importance of a balanced life style. 

I am now appealing to my valued clients for support and sponsorship of my huge task being the climb to Base Camp Mt Everest, a 21 day hike in what I would consider quite exceptionally different conditions to what I am accustomed to. 

If you would like to sponsor my trek any support would be most graciously appreciated …. Please click here for more interesting information about the trek and see how you can help and promote your business.

Gokyo Lakes Associate Sponsors

$ 250 – $ 900 (to date)

       www.jobsmart.net.au                      www.accountingnorth.com.au
          more info here                                         more info here

Now you know why I have been doing so much walking of late!

Our deepest fear is not that we are inadequate.
Our deepest fear is that we are powerful beyond measure.
It is our light, not our darkness that most frightens us.
We ask ourselves, Who am I to be brilliant, gorgeous, talented, fabulous?
Actually, who are you not to be?
You are a child of God.
Your playing small does not serve the world.
There is nothing enlightened about shrinking so that other people won’t feel insecure around you.
We are all meant to shine, as children do. We were born to make manifest the glory of God that is within us.
It’s not just in some of us; it’s in everyone.
And as we let our own light shine, we unconsciously give other people permission to do the same.
As we are liberated from our own fear, our presence automatically liberates others.

Marianne Williamson

I’ve never really supported the Fraser Coast “Pub Crawl” ….  I just don’t see the logic in using tax payer funded government grants to promote and encourage binge drinking to get into the Guiness Book of Records.
Alcohol causes so much distruction and damages so many people lives yet our Fraser Coast Council actively promotes and supports this behaviour on what I assume is tax payer funded website!

All our local Police will be attending the event plus more are coming from surrounding areas and Brisbane including a riot squad … who covers this cost?? The Tax Payer?

Gee Anne how RESPONSIBLE!!!
 “It is good news from an operational point of view… this ensures publicans are able to serve as fast as they can.”

Is this the only event in Australia that is still allowed to sell full strength alcohol?

MID-STRENGTH alcohol restrictions and mandatory water breaks no longer apply to this year’s World’s Greatest Pub Fest…. Liquor Licensing when it decided on Friday not to impose alcohol restrictions to Maryborough’s world-renowned event….. “It is good news from an operational point of view… this ensures publicans are able to serve as fast as they can.” pub fest committee chair and Fraser Coast councillor Anne Nioa said. Read more here.

I tend to agree with Father Kelly, the local Maryborough Catholic Priest on this one:

“I am not getting at the pubs but after observing part of the pub crawl last year I truly fear for the safety of people…..The change of name and various additions over the years, such as more water, suggestions of lower strength alcohol, a charitable ‘cause’, etc, really are just trying to minimise the basic nature of the thing as a pub crawl, with all its negative connotations……This community does not need what is really still a pub crawl in spite of the council dressing it up as a festival and adding charities and church water stations.”

… Father Kelly’s full article here

What I do support is the  Wide Bay Sexual Assault Association and the remarkable work the councillors do in putting lives back together due to the abuse and adverse effects of alcohol. 
I think the Fraser Coast Council should more appropriately use tax payer funds for a free website for the Wide Bay Sexual Assault Association so that those who are abused mentally, physically or sexually by alcohol related incidents can seek help and know there is support and recovery systems within our community and know what to do if they become a victim.

Wide Bay Sexual Assault Support Services are getting the message out there this weekend with the use of their display stand created by Design House – “Drink Spike Alert ahead of Pub Crawl!”

IT CAN happen in an instant but lead to a lifetime of pain.

Drink-spiking is common and women attending the World’s Greatest Pub Fest on Sunday are urged to beware and take care so the crawl remains a safe and happy experience.

Counsellors from the Wide Bay Sexual Assault Support Service visited every participating crawl pub this week to distribute coasters, brochures and wrist bands warning of the dangers and advising people how to stay safe. … click here to learn more (image & info from The Fraser Coast Chronicle).

What to do if you think your drink has been spiked.
It is important to tell someone you can trust, a friend, security staff, the police and go to a doctor or hospital. Your doctor or a medical practitioner can test for the presence of traces of certain drugs through urine or blood tests within 24 hours.

Report the Crime 000 – Seek Medical HELP!
Statewide Sexual Assault Helpline  1800 010 120
Wide Bay Sexual Assault Service   07 4121 5999

I’ve learned that you cannot make someone love you.
All you can do is be someone who can be loved.
The rest is up to them.
I’ve learned that no matter how much I care, some people just don’t care back.
I’ve learned that it takes years to build up trust and only seconds to destroy it.
I’ve learned that it’s not what you have in your life but who you have in your life that counts.
I’ve learned that you can get by on charm for about fifteen minutes.
After that, you’d better know something.

I’ve learned that you shouldn’t compare yourself to the best others can do, but to the best you can do.
I’ve learned that it’s not what happens to people, It’s what they do about it.
I’ve learned that no matter how thin you slide it, there are always two sides.
I’ve learned that you should always have loved ones with loving words.
It may be the last time you’ll see them.
I’ve learned that you can keep going long after you think you can’t.

I’ve learned that heroes are the people who do what has to be done When it needs to be done, regardless of the consequences.
I’ve learned that there are people who love you dearly, but just don’t know how to show it.
I’ve learned that sometimes when I’m angry I have the right to be angry, but that doesn’t give me the right to be cruel.
I’ve learned that true friendship continues to grow even over the longest distance.
Same goes for true love.
I’ve learned that just because someone doesn’t love you the way you want them to doesn’t mean they don’t love you with all they have.

I’ve learned that no matter how good a friend is, they’re going to hurt you every once in a while and you must forgive them for that.
I’ve learned that it isn’t always enough to be forgiven by others.
Sometimes you have to learn to forgive yourself.
I’ve learned that no matter how bad your heart is broken, the world doesn’t stop for your grief.
I’ve learned that our background and circumstances may have influenced who we are, but we are responsible for who we become.
I’ve learned that just because two people argue, it doesn’t mean they don’t love each other.
And just because they don’t argue, it doesn’t mean they do.

I’ve learned that sometimes you have to put the individual ahead of their actions.
I’ve learned that two people can look at the exact same thing and see something totally different.
I’ve learned that no matter the consequences, those who are honest with themselves go farther in life.
I’ve learned that your life can be changed in a matter of hours by people who don’t even know you.
I’ve learned that even when you think you have no more to give, when a friend cries out to you, you will find the strength to help.

I’ve learned that writing, as well as talking, can ease emotional pains.
I’ve learned that the people you care most about in life are taken from you too soon.
I’ve learned that it’s hard to determine where to draw the line between being nice and not hurting people’s feelings and standing up for what you believe.
I’ve learned to love
and be loved.
I’ve learned…

by Omer B. Washington

“When you change the way you look at something, what you are looking at will change.” – Deepak Chopra

Last night I went to listen to Deepak Chopra at the Queensland Performing Arts Centre (QPAC). What an intelligent, amusing and insightful man with a profound understanding of the universe. (Deepak Chopra is one of Oprah’s spiritual mentors)

Here are a few things I learned:
-       Our body’s our subconscious mind
-       The mind is in all cells of the body not the brain
-       Your body is in your mind which is a larger field of consciousness
-       The human body is not a structure it’s a process
-       In one year all atoms in our body are replaced – therefore the Deepac talking to me was not the same Deepac who visited Australia a year ago
-       The physical body is the recycling of earth, water and air
-       Our experience of the world is based on vibration
-       All thoughts are either choices or interpretations of past or future
-       Why can’t you be found in your body? Because you are not there, you are not in it. The body is in you.
-       Everything is a vibration.
-       Void is infinite possibilities, immeasurable potential

-       The Science of happiness; find happiness first then you will have happiness in relationships, finance, health etc. … don’t look for these things to make you happy.

-       Happiness Formula; H = S + C + V
Happiness equals Self Point in the brain plus Conditions of Living plus Voluntary Actions.

SELF POINT is determined in childhood; the first 3 year of our life. This is 50% of our happiness experience. You can change your self point through meditation.
CONDITION OF LIVING is what’s happening around you. 10%
VOLUNTARY ACTIONS, what we do every day. 40%

-       Are our choices for ourselves or do they make others happy?
-       Love is the ultimate truth. Love is God. Love awakens the soul.
-       There is no difference between you and the whole of the universe
-       The world is as we are
-       Have all the time in the world!

-       Our brain:
Right Hemisphere – works in the present moment, right here, right now. Looks, tastes, smells, sounds and feels.
Left Hemisphere – works in the past and future. Thinks in language, ongoing brain chatter.

-       Short daily MEDITATION (start with 10mins)

1. Put your attention to the heart and say to yourself, “Who am I?”and see what comes up, if you drift away just come back to the question, “Who am I?”. Now ask yourself ‘What do I want?”
2. Gratitude – Now be thankful for all the good in your life
3. Now repeat, ‘I AM” to yourself for as long as you like (10 mins minimum)
   Put your attention on your body, feeling each body part, cell and atom to be light, white and sparkling

-       TOTAL WELL BEING

1. SOCIAL; our moods, emotions, energy and information is contagious!
2. PHYSICAL; sleep, yoga, exercise
3. COMMUNITY; Share a cause
4. CAREER; Use your strengths
5. FINANCIAL: Don’t buy things to impress people. Spend money on experience & happy memories. The more you give the more you have.

Take the VOW – for well being!

This experience with Deepak has me on such a high! There is so much to learn and hearing his concepts makes me even more excited about the infinite possibilities in all aspects of my life!!!! I have so many new ideas and concepts to practise and put in place.

Monday night it was off with the girls for my second attempt at donating blood. You can read about my first amusing experience here. Both myself and my friend Emma were far more successful donating 440ml each and not doing the full bag of 470ml as the staff cut us short and told us we were too skinny …..Helloooooo I’ll take that as a compliment!

Kirsty another friend of mine came along too for her first go and went really well with no problems. She even had the Dalai Lama giving her guidance with his autobiography sitting on her lap!

Well done ladies, see you in 3 months time with hopefully some more recruits!

To find out more about the opportunity to donate blood and help others, please click here.

Please enjoy some words from my meditation and spiritual guidance teacher – Choeying Dolma (Resident Teacher| Buddhist Nun). We are very blessed to have Choeying on the Fraser Coast!

I received the news that the cancer in my mouth that I had over twenty years earlier had resurfaced for the second time. After having surgery and another biopsy I was told that the cancer had spread and they recommended I have more surgery along with radiation treatment. 

After surviving the ordeal of treatment for the second time I later found another lump.

Things were not looking good for me being able to enjoy a long life. My partner looked at me with so much love and compassion in his eyes as he asked, “Where would like to go or what you would like to do before you die . . .I will do whatever and go wherever you like? 

I was so touched by his loving kindness and replied, “I am very happy where I am at the moment but I would like to hold the hands of His Holiness the Dalai Lama before I die!” 

I later decided to go to India on a spiritual pilgrimage and become ordained as a Buddhist nun. On my return I had the great fortune of attending the visit of His Holiness the Dalai Lama while in Sydney. 

I could not believe my luck when I found myself staying in the same hotel as His Holiness and having the good fortune to meet him in the lobby. 

It was the most surreal moment of my life when he greeted me by lovingly placing my hands between his. . . making my dying wish come true.  I was spellbound being in the presence of such a holy man. I was awe struck by the tangible power of his compassion. 

In this profound moment I realised how compassion was SO much more powerful then anger and war. I tasted the possibility of compassion being the solution to all wars and could see clearly how His Holiness can stay resolute in choosing compassion over war with the Chinese Government. I pray the Chinese Government have the good karma to be in his presence to feel this powerful compassion to be able to let go of their fears enough to at least sit down and engage in peace talks with His Holiness.

At the time his hands embraced mine I remember thinking, “Now I truly can die happily!” 

It seems, up until this moment at least I still have the good karma to still be enjoying this precious life I have been given. I couldn’t have had this life in the first place without my parents and I am so grateful to them for giving birth to me. 

Facing death is a true blessing as it helps us to deeply understand how important it is to live and love well. It helps us to see clearly that this precious life can be taken from us without any notice. In fact most deaths are like that. 

 My journey helped me to understand on a very deep level many things that on reflection I only understood intellectually when teaching on impermanence for many years.

I am so grateful for getting cancer as it taught me to not take life for granted.

But it is, “Meditation” that keeps this memory alive in me and shows me ways to enhance my life in ways I never imagined. 

I would like to share with others just a few of the many insights meditation has shown me.

This life [that could be so short] needs to be lived mindfully, in the present moment, in order to be called a well lived life. 

That every moment we are not mindful by dwelling in the past or the future is the very moment we are robbed of truly living our life. 

How we constantly live in the past and the future and miss the present.

How in the present moment there are miracles all around us that we cannot see because we are not there. 

Cancer woke me up to how short and precious this life is and how important it is to not miss it.

Meditation clearly shows me how stress causes dis-ease and how meditation can cure mental and physical illnesses. It helps me to not to forget and lose this great gift I was given of being able to practice being present.  It reminds me how important it is to have peace and calm in my life Meditation has shown me that, “Pain is inevitable – Suffering is optional?” 

I am truly blessed and am ever grateful to my teachers who have so generously shared with me the precious gift of knowing how to meditate in a way that has bought me so much happiness and peace in my life and allowed me to see the many miracles that are all around me if I can just stay in the present moment – If I can just learn to sit and be with myself and dwell in the bliss of simply sitting with myself.

But most of all it reminds me how grateful I am to have such a wonderful tool in my life to help me stay calm, peaceful and free of suffering. 

I am so blessed to be able to share this precious gift with others by facilitating Calm Abiding Meditation Courses and Weekend Retreats at the Oddiyana Dharma Sanctuary

Now my dying wish is… 

“May all beings find the gift of meditation to find true happiness and be free from suffering!” 

Choeying Dolma
(resident teacher) 

For more information on finding peace and calm in your life plus learning meditation please contact Choeying at THE ODDIYANA DHARMA SANCTUARY – 4125 5530 or 0408 257 071.

Or register ONLINE for the next meditation course starting at the end of February:
 www.oddiyanadharmasanctuary.org

Well I can already tell this is going to be a very long month!

It’s nearly the end of day 3 without an alcoholic beverage and I’m quite surprised I haven’t got the shakes yet.
It’s strange, when you can’t have a beer at the end of the day; you tend to think about beer all day!!
I’m certainly craving a Pure Blonde! 

What is Feb Fast?
Participating in a Booze Free February!!!

What’s in it for me?
Lose weight, save money, gain more energy and raise money for charity!!  All very positive outcomes! 

I’ve finally got my registration in order so; if you would like to make a donation to support me on what I consider to be a huge challenge please click here to make a donation that goes straight to charity.

Proceeds raised through registration and fundraising go towards the Australian Drug Foundation, YSAS (the Youth Substance Abuse Service in Victoria), Mater Hospital’s Adolescent Drug and Alcohol Withdrawal Service (Queensland), The Ted Noffs Foundation (NSW and ACT) and FebFast’s grants program for smaller grass-roots organisations.

On the weekend a friend asked me what I though the definition of ‘Love’ was, to which I found I was not able to articulate a very informative answer. I said the best definition I had heard so far was from Choeying my Buddhist Nun friend so I decided to email Choeying and seek her wisdom on this matter……..

Hi Jeanette

Lovely to hear from you. 

This is a very big question that takes more than five minutes to answer so I have borrowed concepts from Thich Nhat Hahn who I believe is the world’s expert on love. Okay, Love has many parts and levels. 

However ,when trying to understand love we also need to contemplate what is NOT love. Most love we experience is clouded in attachment especially when our minds are obstructed by our delusions mostly, in this case our desire, passion etc. When we “fall in love” as they commonly say it is mostly due to our karmic connection with the other person and the delusions of desire and passion. We  deludedly think this passion will sustain our love forever and are devastated when it doesn’t. We don’t see that love is like a a beautiful garden – it only stays  vibrant and alive and beautiful with tender loving care,  nourishment and the understanding of the needs of the soil, plants etc. 

I have attached the rest as it is easier then typing on email. (download pdf here) Of course as always these are just intellectual concepts and are not very useful unless one meditates Firstly find self love and then the ability to love others. If we cannot love ourselves how can we possibly love anyone else. We will continually expect the “other’ to fill this loveless barron self and this is a recipe for destoying self love – we become a barron dessert thirsty for love  destined to a life of looking for love, “in all the wrong faces in all the wrong places” as the song goes! 

I hope you both benefit from this and may you meditate to find “self love” so abundant that you have no choice but to share this abudnace of love with others.

Love and prayers

Choeying
www.oddiyanadharmasanctuary.org

These days, ‘working your way to the top’ is almost unheard of, but not for chartered accountant, Toni McCulloch, who has just celebrated her 15th year with a Local accountancy firm … Accounting North ….

PLUS had been an awesome business mentor & best friend to me for 19 years…. (I wonder which has been the hardest job!)

To learn more about this inspiring & motivated business woman and her remarkable achievements please click here and read her Profile Magazine editorial.