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GEIFN | MIXING | Media | September 2024

Best wishes for less Suffering, more Happiness with Good Health and Time to Enjoy it. Welcome to Islamic calendar year 1445–1446.

Sharing a timely aspiration:
“Polish the heart every day. When the heart is polished every day, it’s bound to shine. And when the heart is shining, you’re bound to see your reflection, just as when water is clear you see clearly whatever plants or animals there are in the water.
Once the heart is still, you’ll be able to see whatever poisons or dangers it contains much more easily than when it’s murky and turbulent with defiling preoccupations.”
Attributed to Luangta Maha Boowa (1913-2011 CE)

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

Remember, information may contain misunderstandings, deliberate omissions and complete fabrications. And remember, watch out for the thing forgotten. Accept nothing blindly. Test for usefulness, if useful keep, adapt for personal circumstances or if unuseful discard. Be your own guiding light.

Read on intrepid Mixers, and let's see what is to discover this edition. Subscribers decide if anything is useful.


Topics

  1. Guest Sings
  2. Street 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
Benjamin Law explores gender, science and recognition in dicey topics Bodies, Death and Sex with Georgina Long who recounts "‘It took me decades to realise’: An Australian of the Year’s advice to teen girls” via The Sydney Morning Herald

Mike Knapp explores neurodiversity, diagnosis and identification recounting why "My surprising mid-life diagnosis makes me proud” via The Age

Christopher Harris explores education, mathematics and making learning fun when "Michele Bullock played down her intelligence at school. In year 9, something changed” via WA Today


Intra
Nell Geraets explores siblings, rivalry and difference in "Feel like the ‘less successful’ sibling? Here’s how to cope” via The Age

Helen Pitt explores place, people and passion recounting how "He first met the outside world at 21. Now he’s won one of Australia’s richest arts prizes” via WA Today

Caroline Schelle explores place, people and pictures when positing "How a derelict theatre revived a whole suburb and attracted Hollywood royalty” via The Age


Inter
Lucy Sussex explores place, people and passion when calling "At the heart of a love story, an urge to understand Country” via The Brisbane Times

Jane Rocca explores gender, role models and generosity are some of the reasons "Marc Fennell ‘counts his blessings’ when it comes to his mother-in-law” via WA Today

John Bailey explores people, position and prose when reviewing what "This playwright can say in 70 minutes what others need 500 pages for” via The Age


Multi
Kerri Sackville explores change, family and belonging recounting how "Shortly after my divorce, I made an impulse purchase. It saved me” via The Brisbane Times

Nell Geraets explores adversity, set-backs and overcoming declaring "Resilience isn’t just for Olympians. Here’s how you can master it” via The Brisbane Times

Gemma Grant explores personal interests, pastime and benefits as some of the reasons why "You should start that hobby you’ve always wanted to try. Here’s why” via The Sydney Morning Herald


All
Richard Glover explores childhood, research and discovery in "Society’s true innovators, disruptors and mavericks? They’re our under-twos” via WA Today

Nicole Abadee explores death, loss and regrouping when "‘I’m in awe’: Megan and Murray were both widowed with two kids – now they’re a family” via The Age

Dilvin Yasa explores mortality, goodbyes and healing are some of the reasons "‘I help people depart this world with love’: The women taking the fear out of death” via The Brisbane Times


Togather
Caitlin Fitzsimmons explores energy, renewables and symbiotic relationships when "‘It’s beneficial for the sheep’: The surprising ‘win-win’ for solar panels on farms” via The Sydney Morning Herald

Alex Crowe explores role modelling, mentoring and student-centred learning are just some reasons why "This school uses its high-achieving alumni to help motivate students – and VCE results are soaring” via The Age

Penry Buckley explores property, investing and sharing in "How Australians are investing in property – without buying a house” via The Age


Nobly
Bridie Smith explores education, engagement and belonging when "The hottest ticket at this high-achieving private school? The volunteer food van” via The Age

Chris Ray explores violence, testimony and healing reporting "She helped Cambodians confront Khmer Rouge killers. Now, Helen’s on a new mission” via The Age

Victoria Laurie explores overcoming distance, disadvantage and disempowerment to "‘Help your mob’: The psychologist building an ‘army’ to tackle Indigenous suicide” via The Sydney Morning Herald

  

5. TED Talks

5-20 min presentations

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 another way of describing effective team work?
        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 signalling sign, signify, significant & assign.

        signal
        [sihg’nowl]
        From late Middle English: from French signalé, from the Italian past participle segnalato = distinguished, made illustrious, from segnale; from medieval Latin signale, neuter of late Latin signalis, from Latin signum = mark, token.

        noun 
        1. a gesture, action, or sound that is used to convey information or instructions, typically by prearrangement between the parties concerned. Ie, the firing of the gun was the signal for a chain of beacons to be lit. Ie, the police officer raised the right hand as a signal to stop. 
          • • an indication of a situation: the markets are waiting for a clear signal about the direction of policy. 
          • • an event or statement that provides the impulse for an occurrence. Ie, the champion's announcement of upcoming retirement was the signal for scores of journalists to gather at the last match. 
          • (Bridge) a prearranged convention of bidding or play intended to convey information to one's partner. 
        2. an electrical impulse or radio wave transmitted or received. Ie, equipment for receiving TV signals. 
        3. an apparatus on a railway, typically a coloured light or a semaphore, giving indications to train drivers of whether or not the line is clear. Ie, the driver of the mail train observed a signal at danger and avoided running into an express train. 
        verb (signals, signalling, signalled; US signals, signaling, signaled)
        1. convey information or instructions by means of a gesture, action, or sound. Ie, hold your start until I signal. 
        2. instruct (someone) to do something by means of gestures or signs. Ie, the teacher signalled the class to be silent. 
        3. (of a cyclist, motorist, or vehicle) indicate an intention to turn in a specified direction using an extended arm or flashing indicator. Ie, the driver signalled right. Ie, the truck signalled to turn left. 
        4. indicate the existence or occurrence of (something) by actions or sounds. Ie, the Community could signal displeasure by refusing to cooperate. Ie,  the child gave a glance which signalled that their father was being secretive.

        adjective
        • striking in extent, seriousness, or importance; outstanding. Ie, their signal failure to achieve a satisfactory solution to the problem.

        sign
        [sine]
        From Middle English: from Old French signe (noun), signer (verb), from Latin signum = mark, token.

        noun
        1. an object, quality, or event whose presence or occurrence indicates the probable presence or occurrence of something else. Ie, flowers are often given as a sign of affection. Ie, the shops are full, which is a sign that the recession is past its worst. Ie, the signs are that counterfeiting is growing at an alarming rate. 
          • used to indicate that someone or something is not where they should be or are expected to be. Ie, there was still no sign of her. 
          • (Medicine) an indication of a disease detectable by a medical practitioner even if not apparent to the patient. Ie, clinical signs of liver disease.
          • (chiefly in biblical and literary use) a miracle regarded as evidence of supernatural power. Ie, the observer noted signs and miracles taking place. 
          • (North American) the trail of a wild animal. Ie, wolverine sign. 
        2. a gesture or action used to convey information or an instruction. Ie, the copilot gave the thumbs-up sign. 
          • an action or reaction that conveys something about someone. Ie, the actor gave no sign of having seen the newest arriver. 
          • a gesture used in a system of sign language. 
          • short for sign language.
          • a symbol or word used to represent an operation, instruction, concept, or object in algebra, music, or other subjects: the integral sign ∫. 
          • a word or gesture given according to prior arrangement as a means of identification. Ie, a password. 
        3. a notice on public display that gives information or instructions in a written or symbolic form. Ie, the ‘Stop’ sign was at the approaches of the intersection.
        4. (Astrology) each of the twelve equal sections into which the zodiac is divided, named from the constellations formerly situated in each, and associated with successive periods of the year according to the position of the sun on the ecliptic. Ie, a sign of the Zodiac. Ie, a person born under the sign of Virgo. 
        5. (Mathematics) the positiveness or negativeness of a quantity. Ie, the last four bits hold a pattern to represent the sign of the number. 
        verb 
        1. write one's name on (a letter, card, document, etc.) to identify oneself as the writer or sender. Ie, the card was signed by the whole class. 
          • authorize (a document or other written or printed material) by attaching a signature. Ie, the two countries signed a non-aggression treaty. 
          • write (one's name) for purposes of identification or authorization. Ie, the author signed their name in the book. Ie, they signed themselves in at the registration desk. Ie, the client signed on the dotted line. 
          • engage (someone, typically a sports player or a musician) to work for one by signing a contract with them. Ie, the manager plans to sign a new goalkeeper. 
          • commit oneself to work by signing a contract. Ie, things haven't changed since I signed in the summer. Ie, a new striker has signed for Blackburn. Ie, the player signed to the team and soon after was made club captain.
        2. use gestures to convey information or instructions. Ie, the individual signed to their spouse to leave the room. 
          • communicate in sign language. Ie, the individual was learning to sign. 
          • express or perform (something) in sign language. Ie, the Deaf Association Choir signed the hymns. Ie, the theatre routinely puts on signed performances. 
        3. indicate with signposts or other markers. Ie, the footpath is signed by the gate. 
        4. (archaic Christianity) mark or consecrate with the sign of the cross. Ie, the person signed themselves with the cross. 

        signify
        [sihg’nih’fye]
        From Middle English: from Old French signifier, from Latin significare = indicate, portend, from signum = token.

        verb (signifies, signifying, signified) 
        1. be an indication of. Ie, this decision signified a fundamental change in their priorities. 
          • be a symbol of; have as meaning. Ie, the church used this image to signify the Holy Trinity. 
          • indicate or declare (a feeling or intention). Ie, signify your agreement by signing the letter below. 
          • be of importance. Ie, the locked door doesn't necessarily signify. 
        2. (US informal, among black Americans) exchange boasts or insults as a game or ritual. Ie, I wasn't signifying at her.

        significant
        [sihg’nih’fih’cant]
        From late 16th century; from Latin significant- = indicating, from the verb significare = indicate, portend, from signum = token.

        adjective 
        1. sufficiently great or important to be worthy of attention; noteworthy. Ie, a significant increase in sales. 
        2. having a particular meaning; indicative of something. Ie, in times of stress dreams seem be especially significant. 
          • suggesting a meaning or message that is not explicitly stated. Ie, the parent gave the child a significant look of disappointment. 
        3. (Statistics) relating to or having significance.


        assign
        [ah’sine]
        From Middle English: from Old French asigner, assiner, from Latin assignare, from ad- = to + signare = to sign.

        verb
        1. 1 allocate (a job or duty). Ie, The Minister had assigned the task to the agency. Ie, the Boss assigned this mission to the secretary. 
          • appoint (someone) to a job, task, or organization. Ie, the worker has been assigned to a new job. 
        2. designate or set (something) aside for a specific purpose. Ie, managers happily assign large sums of money to travel budgets. 
          • attribute something as belonging to. Ie, it is difficult to decide whether to assign the victory to a player or the team. 
        3. transfer (legal rights or liabilities). Ie, they will ask you to assign your rights against the airline. 
        noun
        • (Law) another term for assignee. Ie, this agreement shall be binding upon the parties and their successors and assigns.
        [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