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GEIFN | MIXING | Media | January 2024

Best wishes for less Suffering, more Happiness with Good Health and Time to Enjoy it. May all beings experience such conditions, and if not, less Suffering until planting the seeds for change. Welcome to Bahá'í calendar 179–180.

Blessings for festivity in your season and yee-ha's in the new.

Sharing a timely aspiration:
"On the cause of silence, each of us draws the face of their own fear – fear of contempt, of censure, or some judgement, or recognition, of challenge, of annihilation. But most of all, I think, we fear the visibility without which we cannot truly live.”
Audre Lorde, American writer, womanist, radical feminist, professor, and civil rights activist (1934-1992 CE)

If having no reason to commemorate this month, here are 3 prepared earlier:
In an unadorned Awakening Mind view, there is no wrong or right, good or bad, just thoughts, words and actions – these are the 3 temporary compounds that make up the 'perceived i'. The 'i' is not the Suffering, it is the misunderstanding between 'perceptions', 'reality' and 'interplay'. From this misunderstanding, we don't know, deny or forget our role in the situation and think, say and do things that Cause more Suffering. There are many ways to minimise/disengage/avoid Suffering, one is a way for the benefit of all.

An Awakening Mind view is that the root Cause of Suffering is Ignorance.

Less Suffering begins and recovery occurs usefully with self-responsibility in knowable, protective and safe conditions. Once the basics are being directed by trustworthy guardians, cultivating Awareness grows personal trust in the immediate surroundings. When that comes easily, then instructions can be given to cultivate mindfulness. With mindfulness, trust in the surrounding people can be made true. When that comes easily, with mindfulness trust in higher authorities and third parties can be made true. When that comes easily, Mindfulness stays true in longer bursts with diminishing false states. When that comes easily, Mindfulness is no longer necessary, Mind has fully Awakened its unconditional, limitless Truth state.

If societies are defined as "families working together", and if families are defined as "individuals working together", then starting with the Individual and their ignorance is the root Solution to Suffering. 

A life is the most precious resource any individual has, is fragile and easily lost.

Fair and just societies/teams/leaders understand that each individual has different starting points, needs, means and methods. Increase equity and the number of beneficiaries should grow. Starting with the individual, measurable by a greater number until including all.

If staying on here, in this edition we'll explore Re:view.
From Middle English via Anglo-Norman French vieue, feminine past participle veoir = see; from Latin re = go back to, again, concentrate; + videre = 
  • to see (witnessing); 
  • be the seer (witness); 
  • being seen (seen by an external witness); 
  • result(s) of being seen (conclusions/outcomes/results from witnessing), 
  • are seen (are witnessed); on show (being displayed, witnessable)
Read on intrepid Grabbers, and let's see what is to discover this edition. Subscribers decide if anything is useful.


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
    Sherryn Groch, Robyn Grace and Emma Koehn explore initial setbacks forged new paths along the way recounting how "They flunked or got ‘nightmare’ ATARs. Now they’re CEOs and master’s grads” via The Age

    Jostina Basta and Lucy Carroll explores education, learning and passion recounting how "They topped the HSC in decades gone by. Where are they now?” via The Sydney Morning Herald

    Cara Waters explores gender, pioneering and public visibility when "Putting women on a pedestal: Melbourne to erect Vida Goldstein statue” via The Age


    Intra
    Benjamin Law explores dicey topics Bodies, Religion and Sex with Christos Tsiolkas "‘When did I become so scared?’–  on second-guessing himself” via The Brisbane Times

    Lachlan Abbott explores the blues, walking and pilgrimage when asked to "Meet Melbourne’s roads scholar who has walked every street – probably including yours” via The Age

    Wendy Tuohy explores decoupling, rediscovery and contentment in "All the single ladies: Why more women over 50 are going solo and loving it” via The Age


    Inter
    Carolyn Webb explores childhood, caring and memories when recounting how to “‘Gave us our life back’: Message of love in baby photo reunion” via The Age

    Thomas Mitchell explores youth, accessibility and engaging constructively recounting how "‘We made a pact to quit on the same day’: From side hustle to The Daily Aus” via WA Today

    Cara Waters explores motivation, separation and convenience with "No more helmets? Five lessons from the Dutch to get people cycling” via The Age


    Multi
    Genevieve Novak explores loneliness, affirming company and marking time in "Like nervous cavoodles, we find our own kind to help us through” via The Brisbane Times

    André Dao explores migration, reuniting with family and expectations in "When Paris disappoints” via The Age

    Jane Rocca explores gender, role models and loving environments with Author Trent Dalton and why "‘My mum is my absolute hero’: on the women in his life” via The Brisbane Times


    All
    Chris Zappone explores technology, information and dissemination in "How AI is leading the fight against disinformation in Ukraine, Gaza” via WA Today

    Saria Ratnam explores youth, protesting issues and messaging when "Gen Z is the generation of protest, but we don’t always get it right” via The Age

    Suzie Miller explores identity, connecting and belonging when "Distilling the essence of a forever friend” via The Age


    Togather
    John McDonald explores spiritual connection of people, place with purpose by Emily Kame Kngwarreye and "If you want to understand Australian art, this exhibition is essential” via The Sydney Morning Times

    Amber Schultz and Mary Ward explore reflection, pivoting and enduring through "A career change, not a crisis: The Australians making a midlife switch” via The Brisbane Times

    Jane Cornwell explores identity, passion and performance recounting how "Kids used to throw stones at me: Grammy winner Angelique Kidjo” via The Age


    Nobly
    Holly Thompson explores learning differences, overcoming hurdles and spirited team work when "Hamish struggled when he started high school. He decided to help those coming after him” via The Sydney Morning Herald

    Melissa Cunningham explores interest, destination and experience in "Want the council to pay your rent? Set up shop in St Kilda’s Acland Street” via The Age

    Carolyn Webb explores identity, seeking asylum and finding freedom to enjoy "Safety and a bright future for Walaa’s family after fleeing war-torn Syria” 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 are some ways to get along?
          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 is engaging lief, belief, overcome disbelief for collective relief.

          engaging
          [en’gay’jing]
          From late Middle English ingage; from French engager, ultimately from the base of gage = a valued object, pledge or offer deposited as a guarantee of good faith. The word originally meant ‘pawning or pledging something’, later ‘pledging oneself (to do something’), hence ‘entering into a contract’ (mid 16th century), ‘involving oneself in an activity’, ‘entering into combat’ (mid 17th century), giving rise to the notion ‘involving someone or something else’.
          1. occupying or attracting (someone's interest or attention). Ie, the speaker ploughed on, outlining the plans and engaging the audience's attention.
            • involving someone in (a conversation or discussion). Ie, the teacher’s diverse attempts at engaging the students in conversation. 
          2. participating or becoming involved in. Ie, organizations engaging in a variety of activities. Ie, some are actively engaging in crime. 
            • (engage with) establish a meaningful contact or connection with: the teams needed to engage with local communities. 
          3. arranging to employ or hire (someone). Ie, we would be engaging the freelancer to write interesting copy. 
            • pledging or entering into a contract to do something. Ie, they were soon engaging the relevant tradespeople
            • (accommodation, a place, etc.) reserve in advance. Ie, they were engaging a room in the house for the expected visitors. 
          4. (with reference to a part of a machine or engine) moving into position so as to come into operation. Ie, the clutch is not engaging. Ie, the driver is engaging the gears to pull out onto the road. 
          5. (of fencers or swordsmen) bringing (weapons) together in preparation to fighting. 
            • entering into combat with (an enemy). Ie, tank and infantry units were engaging the enemy.

          lief
          [leef]
          From Old English lēof = dear, pleasant, of Germanic origin: related to leave and love.

          adverb
          • as happily; as gladly. Ie, they would just as lief forego the opportunity. 


          belief
          [be’leef]
          From Middle English: alteration of Old English gelēafa; Old English bī = by + lēof = dear, pleasant, of Germanic origin: related to leave and love.

          noun 
          1. an acceptance that something exists or is true, especially one without proof. Ie, the star gazer's belief in extraterrestrial life. Ie, a belief that climate can be modified beneficially. 
            • something one accepts as true or real; a firmly held opinion. Ie, we're prepared to fight for our beliefs. Ie, contrary to popular belief, existing safety regulations were adequate. 
            • a religious conviction. Ie, Christian beliefs. Ie, the medieval system of fervent religious belief. 
          2. trust, faith, or confidence in (someone or something). Ie, a belief in democratic politics.


          overcome
          [oh’ver’cum]
          From Old English ofercuman: over- = excessively; to an unwanted degree; completely/utterly; upper; outer; extra; above + related to Dutch komen and German kommen) come =  move or travel towards or into a place thought of as near or familiar to the speaker; approach; travel in order to be with a specified person, to do a specified thing, or to be present at an event; occur; happen; take place; take or occupy a specified position in space, order, or priority; pass into a specified state, especially one of separation or disunion; be sold, available, or found in a specified form; have an orgasm.

          verb
          • succeed in dealing with (a problem or difficulty). Ie, they strived to overcome their pain. 
          • defeat (an opponent). Ie, the determined home team was overcome by a more experienced visiting side. 
          • (of a feeling or emotion) overpower or overwhelm. Ie, they were overcome with disbelief.


          disbelief
          [be’leef]
          From Middle English: alteration of Old English gelēafa; Latin dis- = expressing negation, reversal or absence of an action or state + Old English bī = by + lēof = dear, pleasant, of Germanic origin: related to leave and love.

          noun
          1. inability or refusal to accept that something is true or real. Ie, the client shook their head in disbelief. 
          2. (Christianity) lack of religious faith. Ie, I'll burn in hell for disbelief.


          collective
          [koll’leck'tiv]
          From late Middle English (in the sense ‘representing many individuals’): from Old French collectif, -ive or Latin collectivus, from collect- = gathered together, from the verb colligere: col- = together + legere = choose or collect.

          adjective 
          • done by people acting as a group. Ie, a collective protest. 
          • relating to or shared by all the members of a group. Ie, ministers who share collective responsibility. Ie, a collective sigh of relief from parents. 
          • taken as a whole; aggregate. Ie, the collective power of the workforce. 
          noun 
          • a cooperative enterprise. Ie, the exhibition showcases the work of art collectives from more than 20 countries. Ie, a collective farm.


          relief
          [re'leef]
          From late Middle English: from Old French, from relever = raise up, relieve, from Latin relevare = raise again, alleviate.

          noun
          1. a feeling of reassurance and relaxation following release from anxiety or distress. Ie, much to their relief, they saw the door open. 
            • a cause of or occasion for relief. Ie, it was a relief to find somewhere to stay. 
            • the alleviation of pain, discomfort, or distress. Ie, tablets for the relief of pain. 
            • (usually light relief) something interesting or enjoyable that provides a short respite from a tense or tedious situation. Ie, the kiss-and-tell tale gave the nation some light relief from page after page of war coverage. 
          2. financial or practical assistance given to those in special need or difficulty. Ie, raising money for famine relief. Ie, relief workers. 
            • a remission of tax normally due. Ie, employees who donate to charity will receive tax relief. 
            • (mainly Law) the redress of a hardship or grievance. 
            • the action of raising the siege of a besieged town. Ie, the relief of Mafeking. 
          3. a person or group of people replacing others who have been on duty. Ie, the relief nurse was late. 
            • (British) an extra vehicle providing supplementary public transport at peak times or in emergencies. Ie, the coach had broken down and a relief vehicle had taken an hour to arrive. 
          4. the state of being clearly visible or obvious due to being accentuated. Ie, the setting sun threw the snow-covered peaks into relief. 
            • a method of moulding, carving, or stamping in which the design stands out from the surface, to a greater (high relief) or lesser (low relief) extent. Ie, the artist cast the portrait in relief from molten metal. 
            • a piece of sculpture in relief.
            • a representation of relief given by an arrangement of line or colour or shading. 
            • (Geography) difference in height from the surrounding terrain. Ie, the sharp relief of many mountains.
          [Practice]

          Optional
          -- Chant Mantrastyle

          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 Woi Wurrung 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.

          Jackie Huggins, Bidjara/Pitjara, Birri Gubba Juru woman and Aboriginal Australian

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