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GEIFN | MIXING | Media | February 2023

Best wishes for less Suffering, more Happiness with Good Health and Time to Enjoy it. Welcome to Gregorian Calendar February 2023.

Sharing a timely aspiration:
"It has perhaps always been the case that the waging of peace is the hardest form of leadership of all.”
Elizabeth II, British monarch and former Queen of the United Kingdom and other Commonwealth realms (1926-2022)

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

For those working to the Christian Gregorian Calendar (also known as Common Era Calendar), 

  • it is the 2nd month of a period of time comprising 12 months, a sum of 365 days, every 4th year +1 day,
  • 3rd Quarter 2023 Australian Taxation Office Business Activity Statement, or
  • a period of increased stress caused by either not enough people (Loneliness), wrong sort of people not doing what we tell them (Anger) or too much people (seasonal event/people-saturation followed by another), or
  • [insert other meaning to suit your personal preference], or
  • just another incremental turn of the wheel of life and reason to celebrate daily richness and precious nature of human existence right here and now, or
  • all, some or none of the above.

For some, busyness slows down. For others, it speeds up. While others continue as usual. Whatever your circumstances, let's aim for Equanimity, use less-Anger and proceed without expectation towards a positive result. This is where Joy, Peace and Harmony lives. If we do this, the result might be something we actually want. If not-wanting, easier to live with, failing that at least we're still alive to learn from the opportunity.

Those with a surplus can give thanks for the Noble Women and Men who have appeared in your life 'in the right way', 'in the right place' 'at the right time' to affect us in a positive way. It may have been a kindness at home, in school, in a queue or on the dance floor. If this comes easily, then expand the View and let us give thanks to all Noble Beings who have served Less Suffering.

When there is time, if not already done, reflect on the year that was yours:

  • Beginners: it is enough to list 5 things or people that made a positive difference in your life [excluding yoga/meditation teachers]. Thank them in mind or in a card should you wish.
  • Intermediates: it is enough to list 10 things or people [including yoga/meditation teachers] that made a negative difference at the time in your life. Identify something positive that came out of the encounter for you with the benefit of hindsight. Thank them "for the occasion to work/socialize/share together" in mind or in a card should you wish. This list usually comes easy, so the challenge becomes to transform the easily recalled negatives into its Wisdom aspect. The Wisdom aspect is not superficial platitudes but should be an experienced personal truth. (Eg, for the car that banged into you, "Thankyou for the teaching in Impermanence. Hope the year improves."). Share any surpluses.
  • Advanced: as above, more often, without evaluating. There is no negative or positive as everyone and everything is an opportunity for fast personal development. Repeat until Joyfulness, Fearlessness and Noble Motivation is the lasting natural state. 
  • advanced-Advanced: Repeat above until resulting Happiness is lasting.

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
    Elizabeth Flux explores identity, expression and reconciliation by advising "Do give up your day job: How Hop Dac picked up the brush and found happiness” via The Age

    Robert Moran explores identity, commitment and vocation with "Heartbreak High star Thomas Weatherall’s most personal role yet” via The Sydney Morning Herald

    Amelia Lester explores geography, spirit and engagement recounting how "We went to Australia’s ‘most dangerous playground’ – and my kids loved it” via The Brisbane Times


    Intra
    Adam Carey explores learning styles, diversity and creativity with "‘Big brain’: How visual puzzles lift kids’ literacy and numeracy skills” via The Age

    Justin Meneguzzi explores walking, trails and accessibility with "Six of the best hikes within one hour of Melbourne” via Traveller.com.au

    Jim Bright explores pity, passion and sustainability when advising "Drop pity and sentiment and take control of your career” via The Brisbane Times


    Inter
    Lauren Ironmonger explores name, identity and visible representation revealing "Why it’s time to grow up and learn to pronounce non-English names” via WA Today

    Benjamin Law talks dicey topics Money, Politics and Death with "Broadcaster Richard Fidler on the politicians he would never interview” via The Age

    Kimberly Gillan explores the value of retreat, reflection and recharging when reasonings "Why you need a ‘think week’ (or maybe just a ‘think hour’ if you’re busy)” via The Brisbane Times


    Multi
    Scott Spits explores gender, level playing field and equitable representation when recounting why "‘One of the best decisions of the last year’: Daria Kasatkina’s relief at coming out” via WA Today

    Dani Valent explores childhood, familiar competitiveness and having a go even when "‘We’d play, then we’d fight’: The sporty siblings who love a good duel” via The Brisbane Times

    Heather Clark explores diversity of experience, ongoing learning and engaging students are how "Teacher draws on television experience in the classroom” via The Sydney Morning Herald


    All
    Kate Halfpenny explores relationships, sharing time and spontaneity when recounting how "This summer I’ve found the secret to happiness – and science agrees” via The Sydney Morning Herald
    Megan Backhouse explores place, purpose and perseverance when "Using happy memories to create a happy garden? It actually works” via The Age

    Marcia Dunn explores broadening horizons through the viewfinder of space with "Milky Way photo shoot captures 3 billion stars” via The Brisbane Times


    Togather
    Nell Geraets explores place, people and platonic are some of the reasons why "Four strangers walk into a bar: Inside a blind date, but for friendship” via The Age

    David Crowe explores democratic freedom of speech and long tradition of debating big ideas in public arena when "‘Not going to chuck the towel in’: Voice champion Pat Anderson undaunted by criticism at Invasion Day rallies” via The Age

    Andrew Stephens explores history, engagement and diversity when revealing why "These 10 extraordinary Victorian stories have been hidden for too long” via The Age


    Nobly
    Tony Wright explores workplace entitlements, unsafe working conditions and international cooperation to repatriate "Unpaid seafarers rescued after months stuck on abandoned cattle ship” via The Age

    Caitlin Fitzsimmons and Jack Latimore explores identity, sovereignty and reconciling the past for peaceful coexistence with "Raising Indigenous voices on a Voice to parliament” via WA Today

    Caitlin Fitzsimmons explores conversation, respectful debate and building bridges across divides over "Lunch with ... the man who won marriage equality on two continents” via The Sydney Morning Herald


    6. 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 key to making sustainable relationships?
    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 starts to Interpolate and Extrapolate Power before a Segue into Love.

    interpolate
    [in’terp'oh’layte]
    From early 17th century: from Latin interpolat- refurbished, altered, from the verb interpolare, from inter- = between + -polare (related to polire) = to polish.
    1. insert (something of a different nature) into something else. Ie, illustrations were interpolated in the text. 
      • insert (words) in a book or other text, especially in order to give a false impression as to its date. 
      • alter or enlarge (a text) by insertion of new material. 
      • (Mathematics) insert an intermediate value or term into a series by estimating or calculating it from surrounding known values. 
    2. interject (a remark) in a conversation (with direct speech). Ie, ‘I dare say,’ interpolated their employer.

    extrapolate
    [ex’trap’oh’layte]
    From late 19th century: from extra- = outside + a shortened form of interpolate; from inter- = between + -polare (related to polire) = to polish
    1. extend the application of (a method or conclusion) to an unknown situation by assuming that existing trends will continue or similar methods will be applicable. Ie, the results cannot be extrapolated to other patient groups. Ie, it is always dangerous to extrapolate from a sample. 
    2. estimate or conclude (something) by extrapolating. Ie, the figures were extrapolated from past trends. 
    3. (Mathematics) extend a graph, curve, or range of values by inferring unknown values from trends in the known data. Ie, the low-temperature results can be extrapolated to room temperature. Ie, (as adjective) a set of extrapolated values.

    power
    [pow’er]
    From Middle English: from Anglo-Norman French poeir, from an alteration of Latin posse = be able.
    noun
    1. the ability or capacity to do something or act in a particular way. Ie, the power of speech. Ie, I will do everything in my power to help you. Ir, the student's powers of concentration. 
    2. the capacity or ability to direct or influence the behaviour of others or the course of events. Ie, a political process that offers people power over their own lives. Ie, The actor had the audience in her power. 
      • political or social authority or control, especially that exercised by a government. Ie, the party had been in power for eight years. 
      • authority that is given or delegated to a person or body. Ie, police do not have the power to stop and search. 
      • the military strength of a state. Ie, the sea power of Venice. 
      • a state or country, especially one viewed in terms of its international influence and military strength. Ie, a great colonial power. 
      • a person or organization that is strong or influential within a particular context. Ie, the Lecturer was a power in the university. 
      • a supernatural being, deity, or force. Ie, the powers of darkness. 
      • (in traditional Christian angelology) the sixth-highest order of the ninefold celestial hierarchy. 
      • (informal) denoting something associated with people who hold authority and influence, especially in the context of business or politics. Ie, a red power tie. 
      • used in the names of movements aiming to enhance the status of a specified group. Ie, rainbow power. 
    3. physical strength and force exerted by something or someone. Ie, the power of the storm. Ie, the lyrical power of the orator's prose. 
      • capacity or performance of an engine or other device. Ie, a surge of power from the engine. 
      • denoting a sports player, team, or style of play that makes use of power rather than finesse. Ie, a power pitcher. 
      • the magnifying capacity of a lens. 
    4. energy that is produced by mechanical, electrical, or other means and used to operate a device. Ie, generating power from waste. Ie, power cables. 
      • electrical energy supplied to an area, building, etc.: 30,000 homes were left without power. 
      • [as modifier] driven by electrical energy: a power drill. 
    5. (Physics) the rate of doing work, measured in watts or less frequently horse power. 
    6. (Mathematics) the product obtained when a number is multiplied by itself a certain number of times. Ie, 2 to the power of 4 equals 16. 
    7. (a power of) a large number or amount of something. Ie, there's a power of difference between farming now and when I was a child. 
    verb 
    1. supply (a device) with mechanical or electrical energy. Ie, the car is powered by a fuel-injected 3.0-litre engine. Ie, (as adjective) a nuclear-powered submarine. 
      • (power something up/down) switch a device on or off. Ie, the officer powered up the fighter's radar. 
    2. move or travel with great speed or force. Ie, the car powered round a bend. 
      • direct (something, especially a ball) with great force. Ie, the player powered a header into the net.

    segue
    [seg’gway]
    From Italian, literally = follows.

    verb
    1. (in music and film) move without interruption from one piece of music or scene to another. Ie, allow one song to segue into the next. 
    2. move or shift from one role, state, or condition to another. Ie, from the humour magazine, the New York-born artist segued into producing films. 
    noun 
    1. an uninterrupted transition from one piece of music or film scene to another. 
    2. a transition from one role, state, or condition to another. Ie, that's actually a perfect segue into my next question.

    love
    From Old English lufu of Germanic origin; from Indo-European root shared by Sanskrit lubhyati = desires; and Latin libet = it is pleasing; libido = desire. 
    1. a strong feeling of affection. Ie, babies usually fill parents with intense feelings of love. Ie, their love for their country. 
    2. a strong feeling of affection and sexual attraction for someone. Ie, they were both in love with her. Ie, we were slowly falling in love. 
    3. affectionate greetings conveyed to someone on one's behalf. Ie, give her my love. 
    4. a formula for ending an affectionate letter. Ie, take care, lots of love, James. 
    5. (Love) a personified figure of love, often represented as Cupid. 
    6. a great interest and pleasure in something. Ie, the player's love for football. Ie, we share a love of music. 
    7. a person or thing that one loves. Ie, he was the love of his life. Ie, their two great loves are singing and dancing. 
    8. (British informal) a friendly form of address. Ie, it's all right, love. 
    9. (informal) used in affectionate requests. Ie, don't fret, there's a love. 
    10. (in tennis, squash, and some other sports) a score of zero; nil. Ie, love-fifteen. 
    11. engage or perform activity for nil material return; in an unpaid capacity; expression of loyalty, passion or duty. Ie, play for love. Ie, the love of the game, not for money. Ie, its a love job. (folk etymology has connected the word with French l’oeuf = egg – from the resemblance in shape between an egg and a zero. When used without attachment to outcome it is Unconditional, Pure, High or Higher Love.)
    [Practice]

    Optional
    -- Chant Mantrastyle

    In a busy modern world, information is changing and saturating. To gain a fuller understanding of any issue, we must interpolate, extrapolate, balancing power to segue into love.

    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) or bodhicitta (Sanskrit = Awakening Consciousness). 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. Or not. As each case may be.

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



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