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GEIFN | MIXING | Media | November 2022

Best wishes for less Suffering, more Happiness with Good Health and Time to Enjoy it. Welcome to Assyrian Calendar year 6772.

Sharing a timely aspiration:
"A mature person is one who does not think only in absolutes, who is able to be objective even when deeply stirred emotionally, who has learned that there is both good and bad in all people and in all things, and who walks humbly and deals charitably with the circumstances of life, knowing that in this world no one is all knowing and therefore all of us need both love and charity."
Anna Eleanor Roosevelt, American political figure, diplomat, and activist (1884-1962 CE)

If having no reason to celebrate this month, here are 3 prepared earlier:

If time is short, save the email for later. Come back when there is time.

Here we explore the concept of finding refuge in Story Time.

Once upon a time, a long, long time ago, the inhabitants of earth were growing dissatisfied with suffering caused by conflict, famines, betrayals, plagues and other causes to question the reason for living. 

So wise ones of the time concluded they would all benefit from working together (making a team refuge).

For maximum usefulness, the refuge would not be independent of the real world but interdependent and always in a state of change whether it was known or not.

They devised a refuge to cater for different stages of life and development.

Some present-day storybook examples: 
1. Young Fiesty Independents may: 

  • take Refuge in their treehouse (or club)
  • make Refuge with their friends or music (if club is present, with friends and music in a club)
  • give Refuge to their parents (by listening to their elders or practising diligently a group activity when out of their company) 

2. New couple, expecting child may:

  • give refuge (pregnant parents being mindful with their thoughts, words and actions)
  • make refuge while consolidating couple's finances to a single income, equipping a home with useful items for supporting a new life and child's subsequent growing needs. 
  • take refuge when seeking advice from each other or specialists (elders, other parents, health and well being etc).

 3. Team Fiesty-Independents may: 

  • take Refuge in their personal activity like work or recreation
  • make Refuge with their partner or friends (in the bedroom/family or village association etc)
  • give Refuge to their dependents (by providing wise guidance, upkeeping home and keeping table with food, allowing child/elder to function, be involved with purpose and contribute-positively to/for/with society).


These are some 'Story Book' examples of daily living. Reality is often different (just add life, stir, shake or settle to suit personal preference) and consequently unique to individual. 

Those with absent, negligent or abusive care-givers/role models simply get to experience key milestones of life, deeper and faster. Instead of having a life time to learn life-defining lessons, this occurs in first 7 years according to one theory. Other theories include next 7 years, and others again include next 7. With experience, we know that it is not so important 'when', but 'what/why to do' and 'what is consequently done' are more useful focuses of energy. 

Those with sharp memories and resilience develop coping strategies and learn to take, give and offer refuge to themselves relational to their circumstances. These stories are clear and usually true.

Those with poor memories or sharp memories with limited comprehension continue closed loop of suffering unless they are subject to external intervention. Repeatedly. These stories are usually unclear, complicated and confused.

There is only one person in life that has lived every moment of an individual's life - that individual. So the old wise ones wanted to explore ways to interest, educate and empower the next individual to make wiser, kinder and less-selfish decisions.

Thus began old wise one's refuge in memory (aka culture, tradition, ritual etc). And it worked for awhile. Until it didn't. So then necessity grew the refuge with...

...or so the story goes.


Remember: information may contain misunderstandings, deliberate omissions and complete fabrications. Accept nothing blindly. Test for usefulness: if useful keep; adapt for personal circumstances if necessary; or if unuseful discard. Be your own guiding light.

The following monthly curation from publicly available information is offered below for consideration.


Topics

  1. Guest Sings
  2. Stream Jives
  3. Wisdom Reconciles
  4. Media Writes
  5. TED Talks
  6. Music Challenges
  7. Acknowledgments

    1. Guest Sings

    Approx 5 min presentation
     

    2. Street Jives

    Approx 2 min presentation 

    3. Wisdom Reconciles


    4. Media Writes

    Approx 5 min reads

    Intro
    Val Fell explores aging, keeping active and open to learning when "At 93, Australia’s oldest university student is busier than ever” via The Age

    Karl Quinn explores identity, gender and reconciling diversity when reviewing a documentary in which "Trans activist Georgie Stone tells her story for the first time” via The Sydney Morning Herald

    Jane Rocca explores identity, creativity and finding balance when "‘Proud and scared shitless’: Could this First Nations writer be HBO’s next big thing?” via The Sydney Morning Herald


    Intra
    Melissa Fyfe explores motherhood, family and team approach recounting why "This mum of 11 doesn’t give parenting advice – but there are rules she lives by” via The Age

    Angela Saurine explores love, language and artful communication when "His Chinese was terrible. So was her English. Drawing pictures helped them connect” via The Brisbane Times

    Elizabeth Flux explores telling old wise tales for modern times when reviewing The Butterfly Lovers and "How an ancient legend about doomed lovers still has urgent lessons to teach” via The Age


    Inter
    Jim Bright on information, narrative and evaluation when reasoning "Why we must confront uncomfortable truths” via The Brisbane Times

    Benjamin Law talks dicey topics Bodies, Sex and Money with Former High Court judge Michael Kirby advising when to "‘Yield!’: surprising relationship secret” via The Age

    Megan Backhouse explores local natural biodiversity is good for all beings as "Melbourne tried to bring butterflies back to the CBD. It worked” via The Age


    Multi
    Wheeler Centre explores with five individuals who celebrate seeing life anew with "My lightbulb moment: how a sudden insight helped me make sense of the world” via The Age

    Sue White explores passions, diverse income streams and living are some of the reasons "Why people are relying on ‘side hustles’” via The Sydney Morning Herald

    Benjamin Law talks dicey topics Politics, Money and Sex with Artist Lindy Lee and "‘Thank you, White Australia Policy’ on her Brisbane childhood” via The Brisbane Times


    All
    Jane Rocca explores gender, parenthood and loving relationships with "Me Too founder, Tarana Burke: ‘My husband was the first person I told about the sexual assault’” via The Sydney Morning Herald

    Megan Backhouse explores the importance of size, scope and sympathy with "How to create an award-winning garden in a tiny inner-city courtyard” via The Sydney Morning Herald

    John Bailey explores gender, role and navigating challenges in "The heartfelt show that’s breaking taboos and winning rave reviews” via The Age


    Togather
    Caroline Zielinski explores the value of leadership opportunities, youthful gaze and mentoring guidance when recounting "‘We had nothing to lose, no pride, no ego’: Why these 20-somethings became mayors” via The Age

    Bianca Nogrady explores scientific innovation, persistent dedication and persuasive diligence when reviewing a new book recounting "The daring Australian scientists who changed the course of our world” via The Sydney Morning Herald

    Vince Rugari explores valuing human, worker and LGTBIQA+ rights on a level playing field as "Socceroos, Football Australia speak out on Qatar’s human rights record” via The Age


    Nobly
    Sherryn Groch explores provisioning a good meal, accessibility and sustainability recounting why "‘Then the cops had to shut us down’: the ex-chef stopping Victorians going hungry” via The Sydney Morning Herald

    Jewel Topsfield and Rachael Dexter explores identification, personalisation and collaboration yields meaningful results as "Knowing rough sleepers by name key to solving street homelessness” via The Age

    Jane Wheatley explores origin stories, diligence and the long path to justice citing why "‘It’s horrible’: Lawyer Jen Robinson on the toughest part of working for Assange” via WA Today


    5. Music Challenges

    Approx 30 min presentation + reflection times

    If desired, a short selection of publicly available material on a chosen theme for personal reflection. 

    For best results, sit comfortably with a straight back, have headphones in a shared space, after each clicked link, allow a little reflection with your personally-held view before clicking on the next link.

    Get ready to Reflect!
    Choose your playing level:
    Be introduced at 1.
    Be soothed at 2-4.
    Be shocked at 5.
    Be inspired at 6.
    Fuller illumination 1-6.
    You be the judge. Or not.

    Cryptic Clue:
    What is an essential ingredient for engaging, purposeful and loving life?
    1. Inspire
    2. Perspire
    3. Collaborate
    4. Engage: Test for personal circumstances, if useful keep, if unuseful discard, if exceeds needs, share mindfully
    5. Endure: Adapt for present times without sacrificing intent
    6. Endear: (Inspiring Others To Tend the Flame) live/ demonstrate/ inspire/ teach experience with others
    This challenge explores fire and its light, heat, sound and visibility

    fire
    [fye’er]
    From Old English fȳr (noun), fȳrian = supply with material for a fire, of West Germanic origin; related to Dutch vuur and German Feuer.

    noun
    1. a process in which substances combine chemically with oxygen from the air and typically give out bright light, heat, and smoke; combustion or burning. Ie, their house was destroyed by fire. 
      • a destructive burning of something. Ie, a fire at a hotel. 
      • a collection of fuel, especially coal or wood, burnt in a controlled way to provide heat or a means for cooking. Ie, we had a bath in a tin tub by the fire. 
      • (mainly British) a domestic heating appliance that uses electricity or gas as fuel. Ie, they were freezing and keeping the fire low to save money. 
      • one of the four elements in ancient and medieval philosophy; and in astrology (considered essential to the nature of the signs Aries, Leo, and Sagittarius). Ie,  a fire sign. 
    2. a burning sensation. Ie, the whisky lit a fire in the back of the throat. 
      • fervent or passionate emotion or enthusiasm. Ie, the fire of their religious conviction. 
      • literary a glowing or luminous quality. Ie, their soft smiles light the air like a star's fire. 
    3. the shooting of projectiles from weapons, especially bullets from guns. Ie, a burst of machine-gun fire. Ie, mortar fire. 
      • strong criticism or antagonism: he directed his fire against policies promoting American capital flight. 
    verb
    1. discharge a gun or other weapon in order to propel (a bullet or projectile). Ie, the soldier fired a shot at the retreating prisoners. Ie, they fired off a few rounds. 
      • discharge (a gun or other weapon). Ie, another gang fired a pistol through the window of a hostel. Ie, troops fired on crowds. 
      • (of a gun) be discharged. Ie, the first gun fired. 
      • (Physiology) of a nerve or muscle cell, generate an impulse or contraction. Ie, the signal is generated by neurons firing in response to the visual stimulus. 
      • direct (questions or statements, especially unwelcome ones) towards someone in rapid succession. Ie, they fired questions at me for what seemed like ages. 
      • (fire something off) send a message aggressively. Ie, the Boss fired off a letter informing the worker that the matter would be regarded with the utmost seriousness. 
    2. (informal) dismiss an employee from a job. Ie, due to the general downturn, I had to fire men who've been with me for years. Ie, you're fired! 
    3. supply (a furnace, engine, etc.) with fuel. Ie, liquefied petroleum gas can fire room heaters. 
      • (of an internal combustion engine) undergo ignition of its fuel when started. Ie, the engine fired and the driver pushed their foot down on the accelerator. 
      • (usually fire something up) start (an engine or other device). Ie, with a flick of the wrist, the worker fired up the chainsaw. Ie, the traveller fired up the laptop to find the address of the hostel. 
      • (archaic) set fire to. Ie, I fired the straw. 
    4. stimulate or excite (the imagination or an emotion). Ie, India fired my imagination. 
      • fill (someone) with enthusiasm. Ie, the fan was fired up for the upcoming Seasons’s Cup Final. 
      • (fire up) archaic show sudden anger. Ie, If I were to hear anyone speak slightingly of you, I should fire up in a moment. 
    5. bake or dry (pottery, bricks, etc.) in a kiln. Ie, methane gas is being used to fire bricks at a nearby factory.


    light1
    [lite]
    From Old English lēoht, līht (noun and adjective), līhtan (verb), of Germanic origin; related to Dutch licht and German Licht, from an Indo-European root shared by Latin lux = light and Greek leukos = white.
    1. the natural agent that stimulates sight and makes things visible. Ie, the light of the sun. Ie, the street lamps shed a faint light into the room. 
    2. [count noun ] a source of illumination, especially an electric lamp. Ie, a light came on in his room. 
    3. (lights) decorative illuminations. Ie, Christmas or Diwali lights. 
    4. [count noun ] (usually lights) a traffic light. Ie, turn right at the lights. 
    5. the amount or quality of light in a place. Ie, the plant requires good light. Ie, in some lights they could look beautiful. 
    6. (Law) the light falling on the windows of a house. Ie, the right of access to light of a property, established by custom and used to prevent the construction of buildings on adjacent property which would obstruct such access.
    7. (Science) Visible light is electromagnetic radiation whose wavelength falls within the range to which the human retina responds, i.e. between about 390 nm (violet light) and 740 nm (red). White light consists of a roughly equal mixture of all visible wavelengths, which can be separated to yield the colours of the spectrum, as was first demonstrated conclusively by Newton. In the 20th century it became apparent that light consists of energy quanta called photons which behave partly like waves and partly like particles. The velocity of light in a vacuum is 299,792 km per second.
    8. [in singular] an expression in someone's eyes indicating consciousness or a particular emotion or mood. Ie, a shrewd light entered the manager's eyes. Ie, the angry criminal threatened to punch the police officer's lights out
    9. (lights) a person's opinions, standards, and abilities. Ie, leaving the police to do the job according to their lights. 
    10. understanding of a problem or mystery; enlightenment. Ie, they saw light dawn on the investigator's face. 
    11. spiritual illumination by divine truth. 
    12. an area of something that is brighter or paler than its surroundings. Ie, sunshine will brighten the natural lights in your hair. 
    13. a device used to produce a flame or spark. Ie, the smoker asked me for a light. 
    14. a window or opening to let light in. Ie, the bedroom has a wide bay with leaded lights. 
    15. a perpendicular division of a mullioned window. 
    16. a pane of glass forming the roof or side of a greenhouse or the top of a cold frame. 
    17. a person eminent in a particular sphere of activity. Ie, volunteers have been the shining lights of the community. 
    18. (British, in a crossword puzzle) a blank space to be filled by a letter. 
    19. provide with light or lighting; illuminate. Ie, a number of small lamps shed light on the darkness of the room. 
    20. switch on (an electric light). Ie, only one of the table lamps was providing light. 
    21. [with object and adverbial ] provide a light for (someone) so that they can see where they are going. Ie, I'll light your way to the gate. 
    22. make (something) start burning; ignite. Ie, the camper gathered sticks and lit a fire. 
    23. [no object ] begin to burn; be ignited. Ie, the gas would light properly on the second go. 
    24. having a considerable or sufficient amount of natural light; not dark. Ie, the bedrooms are light and airy. 
    25. (of a colour) pale. Ie, the child's eyes were light blue. 

    light2
    [lite]
    From Old English lēocht, līht (noun), lēohte (adverb), of Germanic origin; related to Dutch licht and German leicht, from an Indo-European root shared by lung. 
    1. of little weight; not heavy. Ie, they are very light and portable. Ie, light alloy wheels. Ie, you're as light as a feather. 
    2. deficient in weight, especially by a specified amount. Ie, the sack of potatoes is 5 kilos light. 
    3. not strongly or heavily built or made. Ie, light, impractical clothes. Ie, light armour. 
    4. carrying or suitable for small loads. Ie, light commercial vehicles. 
    5. (Military) carrying only light armaments. Ie, light infantry. 
    6. (of a vehicle, ship, or aircraft) travelling unladen or with less than a full load. 
    7. (of soil) friable, porous, and workable. 
    8. (of an isotope) having not more than the usual mass; (of a compound) containing such an isotope. 
    9. relatively low in density, amount, or intensity. Ie, passenger traffic was light, Ie, light autumn rains. 
    10. (of sleep or a sleeper) easily disturbed. Ie, I'm a light sleeper. Ie, their sleep was light and fitful. 
    11. easily borne or done. Ie, they received a light sentence. Ie, some light housework. 
    12. (of food or a meal) small in quantity and easy to digest. Ie, a light supper. 
    13. (of a foodstuff) low in fat, cholesterol, sugar, or other rich ingredients. Ie, stick to a light diet. 
    14. (of drink) not strongly alcoholic or heavy on the stomach. Ie, a light summer wine. 
    15. (of pastry or cake) fluffy or well aerated during cooking. Ie, it was delicious, the pastry light and flaky. 
    16. gentle or delicate. Ie, a light kiss was planted upon the cheek. Ie, my breathing was steady and light. 
    17. (of type) having thin strokes; not bold. Ie, times shown in light type denote connecting services. 
    18. (of entertainment) requiring little mental effort; not profound or serious. Ie, pop is thought of as light entertainment. Ie, some light reading. 
    19. not solemn or unhappy; cheerful. Ie, I left the island with a light heart. 
    20. archaic (of a woman) having many casual sexual encounters or relationships.

    light3
    [lite]
    From Old English līhtan = lessen the weight of
    1. (light on/upon) come upon or discover by chance. Ie, the research lit on a possible solution. 
    2. (archaic) descend. Ie, from the horse the rider lit down. 
    3. gently fall and settle or land on (a surface). Ie, a leaf just lighted on the ground.

    heat
    [heet]
    From Old English hǣtu (noun), hǣtan (verb), of Germanic origin; related to Dutch hitte (noun) and German heizen (verb), also to hot.

    noun
    1. the quality of being hot; high temperature. Ie, the fierce heat of the sun. 
      • (Physics) heat seen as a form of energy arising from the random motion of the molecules of bodies, which may be transferred by conduction, convection, or radiation. 
      • hot weather conditions. Ie, the oppressive heat was making both of them sweat. 
      • a source or level of heat for cooking. Ie, remove from the heat and beat in the butter. 
      • a spicy quality in food that produces a burning sensation in the mouth. Ie, chilli peppers add taste and heat to food. 
      • (technical) the amount of heat that is needed to cause a specific process or is evolved in such a process. Ie, the heat of formation. 
      • (technical) a single operation of heating something, especially metal in a furnace. Ie, about 100 tons is removed in each heat. 
    2. intensity of feeling, especially of anger or excitement. Ie, conciliation services are designed to take the heat out of disputes. 
      • (the heat) informal intensive and unwelcome pressure or criticism, especially from the authorities. Ie, a flurry of legal proceedings turned up the heat in the dispute. Ie, after the starting bell, the heat is on. 
    3. a preliminary round in a race or contest. Ie, winners of the regional heats. 
    verb 
    1. make or become hot or warm. Ie,  the room faces south and is difficult to heat. Ie, the pipes expand as they heat up. 
      • become excited or impassioned. Ie, they seemed to calm down as quickly as they had heated up. 
      • become more intense and exciting. Ie, the action really begins to heat up in the third quarter. 
      • (archaic) inflame; excite; provoke. Ie, this discourse had heated them.

    sound1
    [sound]
    From Middle English soun, from Anglo-Norman French soun (noun), suner (verb), from Latin sonus. The form with -d was established in 16CE.

    noun
    1. vibrations that travel through the air or another medium and can be heard when they reach a person's or animal's ear. Ie, light travels faster than sound. 
      • a thing that can be heard. Ie, the new arrival heard the sound of voices in the hall. Ie, don't make a sound. 
      • the area or distance within which something can be heard. Ie, we were always within sound of the train whistles. 
    2. (also musical sound) sound produced by continuous and regular vibrations, as opposed to noise. 
    3. music, speech, and sound effects when recorded and used to accompany a film, video, or broadcast. Ie, a sound track. 
      • broadcasting by radio as distinct from television. 
      • the distinctive quality of the music of a particular composer or performer or of the sound produced by a particular instrument. Ie, the sound of the Beatles. 
      • (sounds) informal popular music. Ie, sounds of the Sixties. 
    4. an idea or impression conveyed by words. Ie, you've had a hard day by the sound of it. 
    verb 
    1. emit or cause to emit sound. Ie, a loud buzzer sounded. Ie, the musician sounded the horn. 
      • give an audible signal to indicate (something). Ie, a different bell begins to sound midnight. 
      • express or convey (a warning). Ie, pharmaceutical companies are sounding the alarm about counterfeit drugs. 
      • Pronounce. Ie, sound the rhymes clearly.
      • test (the lungs or another body cavity) by noting the sound they produce. Ie, the doctor sounded the patient's chest. 
    2. convey a specified impression when heard. Ie, the Mother sounded worried. 
      • (of something or someone that has been described to one) convey a specified impression. Ie, it sounds as though you really do believe that. Ie. the house and location sounds lovely.

    sound2
    [sound]
    From Middle English; from Old English gesund, of West Germanic origin; related to Dutch gezond and German gesund.

    adjective
    1. in good condition; not damaged, injured, or diseased. Ie, they returned safe and sound. Ie, the accused was not of sound mind. 
      • financially secure. Ie, the business was on a sound footing for the first time. 
      • (British) excellent. Ie, the child ate the lasagne with relish. Ie, ‘It's sound, this.’. 
    2. based on valid reason or good judgement. Ie, sound advice for healthy living. Ie, the scientific content is sound. 
      • competent, reliable, or holding acceptable views. Ie, this individual is very sound on the law. 
    3. (of sleep) deep and undisturbed. Ie, a doze that deepened into a sound sleep. 
      • (of a person) tending to sleep deeply. Ie, I am a sound sleeper. 
    4. (of a beating) severe. Ie, such people should be given a sound thrashing. 
    adverb 
    • Soundly. Ie, the child was sound asleep. 

    sound3
    [sound]
    From late Middle English; from Old French sonder, based on Latin sub- = below + unda = wave.

    verb
    1. ascertain (the depth of water in the sea, a lake, or a river), typically by means of a line or pole or using sound echoes. Ie, the sailor was sounding the depth of the water with a pole. 
      • find the depth of water in (a ship's hold). 
    2. question (someone) discreetly or cautiously so as to ascertain their opinions on a subject. Ie, we'll sound out parliament first. 
      • inquire into (someone's opinions) discreetly or cautiously. Ie, officials arrived to sound out public opinion at meetings in factories. 
    3. (Medicine) examine a person's bladder or other internal cavity with a long surgical probe. 
    4. (especially of a whale) dive down steeply to a great depth. Ie, the whale sounded, back arching steeply and raising the rubbery flukes in the air. 
    noun 
    • a long surgical probe, typically with a curved, blunt end. 

    sound4
    [sound]
    From Middle English; from Old Norse sund = swimming, strait; related to swim.
    1. a narrow stretch of water forming an inlet or connecting two wider areas of water such as two seas or a sea and a lake. Ie, a small rowing boat came from the south on its way into the sound. 
      • (the Sound) another name for Øresund. Ie, the new project will link the two nations at the narrowest part of the Sound. 

    visibility
    [viz’ih’bill’ih’tee]
    From late Middle English; from French visibilite or late Latin visibilitas, from Latin visibilis from Latin videre = to see.
    1. the state of being able to see or be seen. Ie, a reduction in police presence and visibility on the streets. 
      • the distance one can see as determined by light and weather conditions. Ie, visibility was down to 15 metres. 
      • the degree to which something has attracted general attention; prominence. Ie, the issue began to lose its visibility. 
    [Practice]

    Optional
    -- Chant Mantrastyle

    Peter Gabriel in his song Biko about South African anti-apartheid activist Bantu Stephen Biko (1946-1977 CE), writes “You can blow out a candle, but you can't blow out a fire. Once the flames begin to catch, the wind will blow it higher.” It is always the right time for shining the light of wisdom, coupled with the heat of a just cause, amplified by collecting sound and extending reach for visibility to endure.

    Why? Why not?
    Start today. 
    As the case may be.
    Or not.



    7. Acknowledgments

    Reconciliation
    Acknowledging traditional inhabitants of Cities of Port Phillip and Glen Eira are the Boon Wurrung, Bunurong and Wurundjeri peoples of the Kulin Nation. Respect is offered to past, present and future elders of all spiritual traditions. May we find together a generous way to accommodate those in need of refuge. Let us be cool, strive individually and together to overcome inequality, violence, disengagement, tragedy and injustice wherever it may be. Let us honour, savor and enjoy results of mindful effort so more thrive peacefully with less effort in our place called home.

    Invitation to Support Content Creators
    The music/stories/videos have been sourced from public domain. If you like any of the content, please consider buying directly from online marketplaces to support creators and truth telling in the public interest.

    Caretaker Disclosure
    Words and concepts are conditional things that point to a 'reflection of experience'. They are limited and do not adequately describe the 'full lived experience'. Like the moon's reflection on a lake's surface, it is not the moon, nor the experience of gazing up at the darkened sky transformed by the presence of a full moon. It is in the eyes/ears/nose/mouth/touch/cognisance of the beholder.

    This curation is an interpretation of the universal basis of re:lig:ion (Latin = again:uniting:energy). This email invites a sharing of countless thoughts, words and actions wishing, causing and receiving less Suffering and more Happiness. For benefit initially of the individual increasing in beneficiaries until it includes all across the 3 times and 10 directions. As each case may be. Or not.

    It is not personal, it just the way things are.

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