May this find you well, kindly treated, with festivity in season and finding yee-ha in the New.
Best wishes for less Suffering, more Happiness with Good Health and Time to Enjoy it. Welcome to Byzantine Calendar year 7532–7533.
While parts of the world continue to endure conflict, displacement, deprivation, disease and disaster, it may be useful to read the situations as "chapters", however difficult and uncertain, in the continuing story of the greater human history book.
Sharing a timely aspiration:
“May all beings have happiness,
May all beings be free from suffering,
May all beings feel an ocean of happiness and joy
And may we live with the good heart
Feeling close to all.”
Attributed to Buddhism (since 483 BCE to present)
If having no reason to celebrate this month, here are 3 prepared earlier:
- 3 December: International Day of People with Disability (International)
- 10 December: International Human Rights Day (International)
- 20 December: International Human Solidarity Day (International)
Any thing that has a beginning, must also have an end. No thing arises of its own accord but is dependent on preexisting conditions. Existence is as long as conditions agree. When conditions change, so too must the thing.
Life is the most precious asset any being has, is fragile and easily lost.
For living things, the ability to feel is a characteristic of being alive. Feeling means feeling pleasure, pain and indifference is a natural part of existence. Neutral or equal in validity until we judge, evaluate or give it a value.
While there may be no/limited/unknowable control over prevailing conditions, there still exists choice in whether to adapt, evolve or extinguish. Our present moment results from our activity (thoughts, words and actions).
When we understand this, Suffering becomes optional.
The future is not fixed – it has countless possibilities and unlimited in potential. Every moment is precious. What we do in the present makes our future. While death is certain for every living thing, the timing is unknown.
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 a way to harmonise presence, difference, coexistence and gathering with purpose?
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.
Freedom from conflict, disease and famine won't come about by accident but as a concerted effort using skilful means with non-selfishness as it's primary goal, methods and means.
Other words meaning same thing:
- Dependent Origination
- Conditional Existence
- Cause and Effect
- Causation or Causality
- Results
- Choices and Consequences
Please note information may contain misunderstandings, deliberate omissions and complete fabrications. And remember to 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
Approx 5 min presentation
2. Street Jives
Approx 2 min presentation
3. Wisdom Reconciles
- Studio 10: Isaiah Firebrace and What Every Aussie Kid Should Know about the First Peoples (5 mins)
- ZULA Perspectives: Guys Guess What's Wrong In A Text Message (15 mins)
- Al Muqaddimah: Homosexuality in the Islamic World (19 mins)
- Economics Explained: The 2024 Nobel Prize in Economics (16 mins)
- Nathan Chin: 2024 RAW Comedy National Grand Final (8 mins)
4. Media Writes
Approx 5 min readsIntro
Michael Lallo explores childhood, growing up and interacting with Anthony Field who "As a Wiggle, he brought joy to millions, but privately, he was in pain” via The Brisbane Times
Art Simone explores childhood, glamour and inspiration recounting how "I grew up as an outcast but I found solace in drag” via WA Today
Courtney Kruk explores place, people and purpose with Birrunga Wiradyuri who says "‘I’m still an outsider’: A path from a childhood in denial to lighting up the CBD” via The Sydney Morning Herald
Intra
Benjamin Law talks dicey topics Money, Bodies and Politics with Charlotte Wood who says “Shut up and listen to people who know what they’re talking about” via The Sydney Morning Herald
Amra Pajalic explores authenticity, education and learning in "Teachers are quitting in droves. Here’s why I’m not one of them” via The Age
Lenny Ann Low explores life, living and love recounting how "Midnight Oil rocker Jim had one quality Christabel had never seen in a man” via The Sydney Morning Herald
Inter
Melissa Fyfe explores childhood, familiars and loving environments "In Ashlee’s childhood of drug deals and violence, Grandma’s home was a safe haven” via The Age
Bridie Smith explores education, neuro-diversity and understanding when "The way some Melbourne University students are taught has changed. Here’s why” via The Age
Mick Brown explores ability, opportunity and adaptation with Hanif Kureishi recounting how "‘The worst thing is losing your hands’: on life as a tetraplegic” via The Brisbane Times
Multi
Benjamin Law explores dicey topics Money, Sex and Death with Artist Cao Fei on how "‘I enjoyed the misunderstanding’: how her mum made her special” via The Age
Bhakta Dasa explores childhood, learning and embodying recounting "How a schoolyard bully set me on my spiritual path” via The Age
Kerrie O’Brien explores place, purpose and passion when "Musical explores the curiously closeted world of Aussie rules” via The Age
All
Ross Gittins explores identity, gender and influences when "How you vote now comes down to one variable above all” via The Brisbane Times
Jake Niall explores people, place and passion "‘I thought, geez, this is a happy story’: Helen Garner on her footy book” via The Age
Benjamin Preiss explores place, people and poise as "‘Photo in the sky’ draws streams of curious onlookers to this town” via The Sydney Morning Herald
Togather
Liam Mannix explores dedication, discovery and diagnosis are behind how "Melbourne team helped solve the mystery of a killer skin disease” via The Sydney Morning Herald
Peter FitzSimons explores gender, education and future with Briony Scott about "The surprising sex talk Sydney’s most respected principal gives her students” via The Sydney Morning Herald
Tim Elliott explores athleticism, aging and solace when deciding to "‘Let’s do one more year’: At 90, Nancy and Betty still teach teen boys athletics” via The Brisbane Times
Nobly
Andrew Probyn and Danielle Post explores disease, medicine and collaboration recounting how "‘It was a revolution’: The forgotten Australian whose medical breakthrough saved millions of lives” via The Sydney Morning Herald
Dilvin Yasa explores motivation, generosity and timeliness are some of the reasons why "These four women have found the secret to fulfilment” via The Age
Brooke Boney explores people, place and purpose recounting when "I received an invitation to meet the King and Queen. This is why I accepted it” via The Brisbane Times
Michael Lallo explores childhood, growing up and interacting with Anthony Field who "As a Wiggle, he brought joy to millions, but privately, he was in pain” via The Brisbane Times
Art Simone explores childhood, glamour and inspiration recounting how "I grew up as an outcast but I found solace in drag” via WA Today
Courtney Kruk explores place, people and purpose with Birrunga Wiradyuri who says "‘I’m still an outsider’: A path from a childhood in denial to lighting up the CBD” via The Sydney Morning Herald
Intra
Benjamin Law talks dicey topics Money, Bodies and Politics with Charlotte Wood who says “Shut up and listen to people who know what they’re talking about” via The Sydney Morning Herald
Amra Pajalic explores authenticity, education and learning in "Teachers are quitting in droves. Here’s why I’m not one of them” via The Age
Lenny Ann Low explores life, living and love recounting how "Midnight Oil rocker Jim had one quality Christabel had never seen in a man” via The Sydney Morning Herald
Inter
Melissa Fyfe explores childhood, familiars and loving environments "In Ashlee’s childhood of drug deals and violence, Grandma’s home was a safe haven” via The Age
Bridie Smith explores education, neuro-diversity and understanding when "The way some Melbourne University students are taught has changed. Here’s why” via The Age
Mick Brown explores ability, opportunity and adaptation with Hanif Kureishi recounting how "‘The worst thing is losing your hands’: on life as a tetraplegic” via The Brisbane Times
Multi
Benjamin Law explores dicey topics Money, Sex and Death with Artist Cao Fei on how "‘I enjoyed the misunderstanding’: how her mum made her special” via The Age
Bhakta Dasa explores childhood, learning and embodying recounting "How a schoolyard bully set me on my spiritual path” via The Age
Kerrie O’Brien explores place, purpose and passion when "Musical explores the curiously closeted world of Aussie rules” via The Age
All
Ross Gittins explores identity, gender and influences when "How you vote now comes down to one variable above all” via The Brisbane Times
Jake Niall explores people, place and passion "‘I thought, geez, this is a happy story’: Helen Garner on her footy book” via The Age
Benjamin Preiss explores place, people and poise as "‘Photo in the sky’ draws streams of curious onlookers to this town” via The Sydney Morning Herald
Togather
Liam Mannix explores dedication, discovery and diagnosis are behind how "Melbourne team helped solve the mystery of a killer skin disease” via The Sydney Morning Herald
Peter FitzSimons explores gender, education and future with Briony Scott about "The surprising sex talk Sydney’s most respected principal gives her students” via The Sydney Morning Herald
Tim Elliott explores athleticism, aging and solace when deciding to "‘Let’s do one more year’: At 90, Nancy and Betty still teach teen boys athletics” via The Brisbane Times
Nobly
Andrew Probyn and Danielle Post explores disease, medicine and collaboration recounting how "‘It was a revolution’: The forgotten Australian whose medical breakthrough saved millions of lives” via The Sydney Morning Herald
Dilvin Yasa explores motivation, generosity and timeliness are some of the reasons why "These four women have found the secret to fulfilment” via The Age
Brooke Boney explores people, place and purpose recounting when "I received an invitation to meet the King and Queen. This is why I accepted it” via The Brisbane Times
5. TED Talks
5-20 min presentations- Sheila Marie Orfano: Why should you read Dante's "Divine Comedy”? (5 mins)
- Amber Hikes: Want to truly succeed? Lift others up while you climb (6 mins)
- Brian S. Lowery: How to live a meaningful life (14 mins)
- Villy Wang: A business against racism (12 mins)
- Leopoldo Lopez: How to defend democracy – and fight autocracy (19 mins)
6. Music Challenges
Approx 30 min presentation + reflection timesIf 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:
- Inspire
- Perspire
- Collaborate
- Engage: Test for personal circumstances, if useful keep, if unuseful discard, if exceeds needs, share mindfully
- Endure: Adapt for present times without sacrificing intent
- Endear: (Inspiring Others To Tend the Flame) live/ demonstrate/ inspire/ teach experience with others
This challenge is connecting gratitude, fraternity, forgiveness & commemoration.
connecting
[con’neck’ting]
From late Middle English: from Latin connexio(n-), from connectere: from con- = together + nectere = bind + -ing = a suffix denoting a verbal action, an instance of this, or its result (ie, fighting, outing, building); denoting a verbal action relating to an occupation, skill, etc (ie, banking, ice skating, welding); denoting material used for or associated with a process etc (ie, cladding, piping); denoting something involved in an action or process but with no corresponding verb (ie, sacking; forming the gerund of verbs (ie, painting, as in I love painting).
noun
gratitude
[grah’tih’tood]
From late Middle English: from Old French, or from medieval Latin gratitudo, from Latin gratus = pleasing, thankful.
noun
fraternity
[frah’turn’ih’tee]
From Middle English: from Old French fraternite, from Latin fraternitas, from fraternus; from frater = brother.
noun
forgiveness
[Fore’givv’ness]
From Old English forgiefan, of Germanic origin, related to Dutch vergeven and German vergeben; from For- = prefix prohibiting, abstention from, neglecting, or renunciating, used as an intensifier; + give = transferrance of possessions of some thing from one to another, cause or allow (someone or something) to have or experience something; carry out or perform (a specified action); yield as a product or result; concede (something) as valid or deserved in respect of (someone); state or put forward (information or argument); alter in shape under pressure rather than resist or break + -nes, -ness, of Germanic origin = a state or condition, an instance of a state or condition, or something in a certain state; from Latin -n = past participle of… + -ess = from esse = be.
noun
commemoration
[com’mem’or’ray’shen]
From late Middle English: from Latin commemoratio(n-), from the verb commemorare = bring to remembrance; from com- altogether + memorare = relate; from memor = mindful.
noun
[con’neck’ting]
From late Middle English: from Latin connexio(n-), from connectere: from con- = together + nectere = bind + -ing = a suffix denoting a verbal action, an instance of this, or its result (ie, fighting, outing, building); denoting a verbal action relating to an occupation, skill, etc (ie, banking, ice skating, welding); denoting material used for or associated with a process etc (ie, cladding, piping); denoting something involved in an action or process but with no corresponding verb (ie, sacking; forming the gerund of verbs (ie, painting, as in I love painting).
noun
- a relationship in which a person or thing is linked or associated with something else. Ie, the connections between social attitudes and productivity. Ie, sufferers deny that their problems have any connection with drugs.
- the action of linking one thing with another. Ie, connection to the internet.
- the placing of parts of an electric circuit in contact so that a current may flow.
- a link between electrical components or pipes. Ie, ensure that all connections between the wires are properly made.
- a link between two phones. Ie, the caller replaced the receiver before the connection was made.
- an arrangement or opportunity for catching a connecting train, bus, aircraft, etc. Ie, ferry connections are sporadic in the low season.
- a connecting train, bus, etc. Ie, we had to wait for our connection to the next city.
- (connections) people with whom one has social or professional contact or to whom one is related, especially those with influence and able to offer one help. Ie, the newcomer had connections in the music industry.
- (informal, mainly North American) a supplier of narcotics.
- a narcotics sale or purchase.
- (historical) an association of Methodist Churches. Ie, the primitive Methodists broke with the Wesleyan connection in 1810.
gratitude
[grah’tih’tood]
From late Middle English: from Old French, or from medieval Latin gratitudo, from Latin gratus = pleasing, thankful.
noun
- the quality of being thankful; readiness to show appreciation for and to return kindness. Ie, they expressed gratitude to the committee for their support.
fraternity
[frah’turn’ih’tee]
From Middle English: from Old French fraternite, from Latin fraternitas, from fraternus; from frater = brother.
noun
- a group of people sharing a common profession or interests. Ie, members of the art fraternity.
- (North American English) a male students' society in a university or college.
- a religious or Masonic society or guild.
- friendship and mutual support within a group. Ie, the ideals of liberty, equality, and fraternity.
forgiveness
[Fore’givv’ness]
From Old English forgiefan, of Germanic origin, related to Dutch vergeven and German vergeben; from For- = prefix prohibiting, abstention from, neglecting, or renunciating, used as an intensifier; + give = transferrance of possessions of some thing from one to another, cause or allow (someone or something) to have or experience something; carry out or perform (a specified action); yield as a product or result; concede (something) as valid or deserved in respect of (someone); state or put forward (information or argument); alter in shape under pressure rather than resist or break + -nes, -ness, of Germanic origin = a state or condition, an instance of a state or condition, or something in a certain state; from Latin -n = past participle of… + -ess = from esse = be.
noun
- the action or process of forgiving or being forgiven. Ie, the students are quick to ask forgiveness when they have overstepped the line.
commemoration
[com’mem’or’ray’shen]
From late Middle English: from Latin commemoratio(n-), from the verb commemorare = bring to remembrance; from com- altogether + memorare = relate; from memor = mindful.
noun
- the action or fact of commemorating a dead person or past event. Ie, local martyrs received public commemoration. Ie, the statue was ordered by the Council in commemoration of women’s contributions to society
- a ceremony or celebration in which a person or event is remembered, Ie, commemorations of wedding anniversaries.
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.
