Monday Mornings have always been the time to start new things – all diets start then! The fact that we cheat with that cream cake on Tuesday, simply means that we start the next diet on the following Monday Morning. Apparently, the secret to dieting is to get back on the diet-wagon immediately after you have eaten your cake.
This Monday Morning is not about dieting for me. It is about picking up my correspondence where I have left it prior to my bad health period. I have never enjoyed a sick-bed. As a matter of fact, even a cold puts me so far back that I lose track with all things worldly. This time it was stressed induced organ failure and I thought that this was the end of the road for me. I am probably a bit of a woos and will gladly wear the label if it means that I can avoid a repeat through constantly reminding myself that the little stresses build up far quicker than I realised. That all said and done, I am sending you this e-mail to share the good stuff that is happening in my life.
The doll project has been shelved until we receive some help through sponsorship. Even though the Soccer World Cup period was lousy, we have met amazing people that recognise the potential of the project and are out there seeking help on our behalf. During the waiting period, we have started making brown fairies and although we didn’t get the contract we were aiming for, this project promises to help many families that are currently suffering under the economic strain. If you are one of those individuals that know people in positions that may assist us, please let me know so that I can introduce the program to them.
I have only recently (you know I am slow!) watched the Mayan Calendar Presentation (thanks Antoinette!) and my sense of urgency have been turned up to its highest setting. The Evolutionary aspect of the human race has been the most profound confirmation for me. Some of you may be aware of my feelings and opinions about mobilising both individuals and groups to uplift themselves to attain a higher intellectual, moral and spiritual level in order to improve their living conditions. This presentation clearly shows the danger that we are in – the threat of not being ready in time for the changes that awaits us in less than a year is alarming to me. I have actively been studying these phenomena for some time now and have simply found a timeline for its manifestation in this presentation. I would love to pass this information on to you.
I am hoping that you are aware and curious enough about Your Self to desire your own evolutionary process to proceed uninterrupted through this period. (I have found that people consult with me for two reasons; first reason is to clarify a specific personal issue and finding a practical solution and, secondly for expanding, learning and growing in general terms. The first is achieved during a one-on-one consultation and the second during a group workshop session.) I would like to propose a third reason why you should spend some time with me; to learn how to consciously take charge of your evolution and thrive in the post 2012 period. In my opinion, this will best be achieved during a one-on-one session where the focus is specifically on your own expansion and growth. The fee for this service is negotiable and depended on both our needs!
With summer around the corner, many of us feel that our hibernation is coming to an end and the blossoms on the trees promise of new life in the form of fleshy fruits to be harvested in a few months. Like a tree, I can also identify my own new ideas that, with proper pruning, can become nourishment for the body as well as future advancement for the soul. Have a good look at your life and make the call.
Thursday, September 2, 2010
Monday, April 19, 2010
Minding My Own Business
The past three months have been a learning curve of note! As you know, I have focused my energy on launching a self-sustaining, income-generating, recycling sewing group that fabricate Rag dolls. (You can learn more on this project at www.ragdollinitiative.blogspot.com) This baby is now up and running and is providing me with an incredible amount of joy and, more importantly, have taught me to mind my own business. To expand I would like to tell one of my typical stories.
Many years ago, people started to differentiate between groups by attaching a surname to their first names. I stand to be corrected, but I believe this started during tribal times in ancient Israel where people's professions were responsible for their 'group' names. For instance; the Cohens were medicine men and the Schumakers were shoe makers. Mark Shuttleworth took to space like a duck takes to water.
For a long time I have wondered about the origin of my own surname and one search indicated that the root of Rheeders lies in Germany's Van Den Rheede; meaning ship owner. This is so cool, I thought. Perhaps there is a ship out there with my name on it and maybe it will find its way into a harbour someday. The sceptic in me always pulled me back to reality and to the possibility of it having sunk and lying on the ocean floor; forgotten and rusting away.
Another possibility has been squatting in the back of my mind for years. I remember, as a young child, people referring to my father as Mister Readers. Unless I spell my surname to someone, they always end up writing Readers and this has kept the squatter fat and healthy. So ... maybe I am truly a reader. This leads me to investigate the many topics or things that can be read; books, people, signals, maps, weather etc.
If this is so, then I should be a professional ship owner that reads all day. Wouldn't that be cool? If our surnames indicate our professions, then what should/could we do differently? I don't know but I'd like to know if you also wonder about such things.
Many years ago, people started to differentiate between groups by attaching a surname to their first names. I stand to be corrected, but I believe this started during tribal times in ancient Israel where people's professions were responsible for their 'group' names. For instance; the Cohens were medicine men and the Schumakers were shoe makers. Mark Shuttleworth took to space like a duck takes to water.
For a long time I have wondered about the origin of my own surname and one search indicated that the root of Rheeders lies in Germany's Van Den Rheede; meaning ship owner. This is so cool, I thought. Perhaps there is a ship out there with my name on it and maybe it will find its way into a harbour someday. The sceptic in me always pulled me back to reality and to the possibility of it having sunk and lying on the ocean floor; forgotten and rusting away.
Another possibility has been squatting in the back of my mind for years. I remember, as a young child, people referring to my father as Mister Readers. Unless I spell my surname to someone, they always end up writing Readers and this has kept the squatter fat and healthy. So ... maybe I am truly a reader. This leads me to investigate the many topics or things that can be read; books, people, signals, maps, weather etc.
If this is so, then I should be a professional ship owner that reads all day. Wouldn't that be cool? If our surnames indicate our professions, then what should/could we do differently? I don't know but I'd like to know if you also wonder about such things.
Thursday, February 4, 2010
Busy Bee
So many people 'accuse' me of always being busy. I know it is not an insult and I also know that none of them intend it to be criticism. But... somehow, I feel guilty when I don't always have spare time to sit and chat about daily events. I am sure that Doctor Phil will have some insight as to why I constantly need to be constructive - and he will probably be spot on. Be that as it may...
I started a new project. That's right - you saw it in black and white. This time it is a whole new ballgame. You may not have known this about be - I like to make things. Anything really! I particularly enjoy little objects made from unusual material. This particular project came from having identified a need amongst a group of women in a township near me. These women take care of children infected/affected by HIV/AIDS and they need to generate an income. They have tried just about everything to make ends meet and have come up empty handed. So, late one night, after brain-storming with my sister, I started making Tsepo.
The idea is to teach the skill of sewing a rag doll to someone who cares for a child - also know as a caregiver. She then creates this little person in the image of her child/foster child, dresses it up in clothing that reflects the actual child and decorates its little face with a familiar expression. Automatically she becomes aware of the state that the child is in. In her own mind and in her own way she can decide whether the next doll she makes will be happier/prettier. Together with the sewing skills, we will teach them all sorts of life skills. I have put together a blog to explain the whole process. So check it out on www.ragdollinitiative.blogspot.com and please let me know if you want to get involved.
The rest of my life is doing its own thing. At times I feel as if I am in charge and steering the boat towards the horizon of my desires. Other times I feel as if it really has nothing to do with me and I am the passenger; clinging to the seat belt with both hands. Am I the only one that feels like this?
I started a new project. That's right - you saw it in black and white. This time it is a whole new ballgame. You may not have known this about be - I like to make things. Anything really! I particularly enjoy little objects made from unusual material. This particular project came from having identified a need amongst a group of women in a township near me. These women take care of children infected/affected by HIV/AIDS and they need to generate an income. They have tried just about everything to make ends meet and have come up empty handed. So, late one night, after brain-storming with my sister, I started making Tsepo.
The idea is to teach the skill of sewing a rag doll to someone who cares for a child - also know as a caregiver. She then creates this little person in the image of her child/foster child, dresses it up in clothing that reflects the actual child and decorates its little face with a familiar expression. Automatically she becomes aware of the state that the child is in. In her own mind and in her own way she can decide whether the next doll she makes will be happier/prettier. Together with the sewing skills, we will teach them all sorts of life skills. I have put together a blog to explain the whole process. So check it out on www.ragdollinitiative.blogspot.com and please let me know if you want to get involved.The rest of my life is doing its own thing. At times I feel as if I am in charge and steering the boat towards the horizon of my desires. Other times I feel as if it really has nothing to do with me and I am the passenger; clinging to the seat belt with both hands. Am I the only one that feels like this?
Tuesday, January 12, 2010
January Jinx
This early in the year, before the new dairy becomes noiseless, I frequently slip up and this year is no different. Yesterday I woke up with a nagging feeling. A feeling that constantly chipped away at my (generally serene) consciousness, suggesting that I forgot to make a note in my dairy. It was about a promise made to somebody and the delivery date was Monday January 11th. Every time I grasped it, it slipped away. What a frustration!!
I do not do frustration very well and will do almost anything to avoid this feeling. So, what I did instead was to collect all the objects in my house that didn't belong to me. Stuff that had to be returned to their original owners. I am sure that a lot of my possessions were left behind after a visit over the Xmas period. I set out to return these and during one of these trips, a visitor arrived at my home. This was obviously the missing link.
Now I sit with a compounded problem. I don't know who this mystery visitor was. All I know is that a book of mine was returned. The title of the book is Married to a Bedouin. Perhaps a promise was made and delivered and that should be the end of that. On the other hand, perhaps not.
If you were that mystery guest, please forgive me.
I do not do frustration very well and will do almost anything to avoid this feeling. So, what I did instead was to collect all the objects in my house that didn't belong to me. Stuff that had to be returned to their original owners. I am sure that a lot of my possessions were left behind after a visit over the Xmas period. I set out to return these and during one of these trips, a visitor arrived at my home. This was obviously the missing link.
Now I sit with a compounded problem. I don't know who this mystery visitor was. All I know is that a book of mine was returned. The title of the book is Married to a Bedouin. Perhaps a promise was made and delivered and that should be the end of that. On the other hand, perhaps not.
If you were that mystery guest, please forgive me.
Friday, January 8, 2010
I'm back!!
To follow is a summary of my January newsletter.
Thank goodness the ‘festive’ season is behind me!! I have found very little to be festive about in the past month. As a matter of fact, I have worked myself to the bone. Everyday I would weigh up my choices - to sit around and relax with friends and family or to get my house in order. The calendar’s New Year has always been a good time for me to transform my external environment while my personal New Year (birthday) has been the time to do so internally. In my case it happens to be almost 6 months apart, which means that I at least get a break during the months in between.
While observing the world, from the top of my stepladder and covered in paint, I realized a few things. The most important one was that the right time is now!! Perhaps I should first mention that I have never been big on New Years Resolutions – before end January they are already history and definitely not because of a lack of willpower. My strength of will has pulled me through some scary moments and my determination is alive and well when it matters.
Let me get back to my point – or was that my perch? Most of us wait for the right time, the right person and/or the right situation before we risk getting ‘our hands dirty’. Naturally, when we then find ourselves in a situation that feels right, we immediately assume that the time as well as the person is right. Big mistake!!! Time is never right and can therefore never be wrong. Situations have at least 32 different angles and I bet you that 16 of these will feel right while the balance will feel very wrong. People’s rightness cannot be measure by anybody else but themselves. What a dilemma!!!!
My little pearl of wisdom today simply suggests that when you are ready (ready sounds better than right), the opportunity will present itself in the form of a situation and/or a person that will assist you in your process. It is not a cliché by accident (did you know a cliché is a hackneyed phrase?). You probably wonder if I have smoked my socks while on the stepladder – Duh, you think, its sooo obvious. I don’t think it is as apparent. My realization would have felt very different if it was: the time is right now or perhaps: the time is now right. The deduction that I have made is that the moment must be seized, the opportunity created and the action must be taken. Try it for yourself by tackling a task that has been staring you in the eye; an unpleasant task that you have avoided. For me it was painting and it was liberating!
The result of all this is that I am seizing my moment this year by putting myself out there as a Travelling Companion. It so happens that my sister and I have shared this dream to travel while caring for others. The manner in which we demonstrate this caring varies – she is much more hands on and me more mindful – and together we form a strong support system. The idea is to find a group (at least more than one person) that wish to explore and/or expand themselves while being assisted, protected, nurtured and cared for, by the two of us. We have started the process by putting together a blog (http://www.travelcarepair.blogspot.com).
I will therefore have to be more organized with my time and far more structured in my approach to my other, ‘real’ work. Exactly how I will manage both is uncertain at this stage. However, I can promise you that the classes will continue, the readings will never stop, the endless cups of coffee and chats will be ongoing until the day I expire.
Thank goodness the ‘festive’ season is behind me!! I have found very little to be festive about in the past month. As a matter of fact, I have worked myself to the bone. Everyday I would weigh up my choices - to sit around and relax with friends and family or to get my house in order. The calendar’s New Year has always been a good time for me to transform my external environment while my personal New Year (birthday) has been the time to do so internally. In my case it happens to be almost 6 months apart, which means that I at least get a break during the months in between.
While observing the world, from the top of my stepladder and covered in paint, I realized a few things. The most important one was that the right time is now!! Perhaps I should first mention that I have never been big on New Years Resolutions – before end January they are already history and definitely not because of a lack of willpower. My strength of will has pulled me through some scary moments and my determination is alive and well when it matters.
Let me get back to my point – or was that my perch? Most of us wait for the right time, the right person and/or the right situation before we risk getting ‘our hands dirty’. Naturally, when we then find ourselves in a situation that feels right, we immediately assume that the time as well as the person is right. Big mistake!!! Time is never right and can therefore never be wrong. Situations have at least 32 different angles and I bet you that 16 of these will feel right while the balance will feel very wrong. People’s rightness cannot be measure by anybody else but themselves. What a dilemma!!!!
My little pearl of wisdom today simply suggests that when you are ready (ready sounds better than right), the opportunity will present itself in the form of a situation and/or a person that will assist you in your process. It is not a cliché by accident (did you know a cliché is a hackneyed phrase?). You probably wonder if I have smoked my socks while on the stepladder – Duh, you think, its sooo obvious. I don’t think it is as apparent. My realization would have felt very different if it was: the time is right now or perhaps: the time is now right. The deduction that I have made is that the moment must be seized, the opportunity created and the action must be taken. Try it for yourself by tackling a task that has been staring you in the eye; an unpleasant task that you have avoided. For me it was painting and it was liberating!
The result of all this is that I am seizing my moment this year by putting myself out there as a Travelling Companion. It so happens that my sister and I have shared this dream to travel while caring for others. The manner in which we demonstrate this caring varies – she is much more hands on and me more mindful – and together we form a strong support system. The idea is to find a group (at least more than one person) that wish to explore and/or expand themselves while being assisted, protected, nurtured and cared for, by the two of us. We have started the process by putting together a blog (http://www.travelcarepair.blogspot.com).
I will therefore have to be more organized with my time and far more structured in my approach to my other, ‘real’ work. Exactly how I will manage both is uncertain at this stage. However, I can promise you that the classes will continue, the readings will never stop, the endless cups of coffee and chats will be ongoing until the day I expire.
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