tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-347755762024-03-06T02:43:43.352+08:00I was made for AfternoonsLiturgy, Music, Politics, FaithUnknownnoreply@blogger.comBlogger300125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-34775576.post-8845058295239981192017-02-20T11:34:00.000+08:002017-02-20T11:34:08.835+08:00Setting the Scene 2: To medicate or not?I'm very aware that in the West, pharmaceuticals are an integral part of our medical treatment.<br />
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And I am grateful for that in all the forms it comes in to assist with quality and length of life.<br />
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Working with my GP, I was not surprised that he considered an SSRI as an adjunct to my work with the Psych.<br />
Anti - Anxiety meds work well to help calm the fight and flight reflex so it made sense as part of the over all treatment plan. Nonetheless I still nurse some reservations about this. I'm not sure why - after all much of my work has a mental health and pastoral care focus and I would recommend to people seeing their GP and having a conversation about this very thing! </div>
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So after trying a very common anti-anxiety med for three days . . . . pretty much nothing to report.<br />
I felt a bit nauseous and hot for the first two days and today that feels pretty much gone - but I feel like I've just got over the flu.<br />
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All pretty normal effects apparently and will pass soon with any luck . .<br />
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Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-34775576.post-43092109921636020742017-02-16T09:50:00.000+08:002017-02-16T11:47:47.530+08:00Setting the Scene 1: Dorsal FatigueSo after actually realising that things were not going so well I spent some good time with a psychologist friend. After a few sessions, over a long lunch, in a light bulb moment, she gently says " I think you might have dorsal fatigue"<br />
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">Dorsal Fatigue </span><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">(to my understanding) is when the para sympathetic and sympathetic nervous systems - the fight/flight reflex which</span> is an ancient way of protecting us - either goes into overdrive or shuts down. In my case it seems that I have just learnt to cope with levels of stress and anxiety rather than letting them go - and my body (as they do) reacted by saying "enough!". </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">The affects of not really relaxing or getting into flow are that the subconscious pushes to restrict activities so that I can conserve the energy that is being eaten up elsewhere - energy that in the face of my dads passing I no longer had available to control the anxiety and fight/flight.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">So clear now - but not then!!!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">So although this is not a perfect fit for me, some of what is written </span><a href="http://www.myshrink.com/counseling-theory.php?t_id=95" style="font-family: inherit;">here</a><span style="font-family: inherit;"> is a good fit. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;">I resonate with the idea of living in the minimus. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;">It's not a crisis. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;">It's just that the circle of life seems smaller. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;">Which is frustrating. But then breaking out of it seems too hard as well. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">Funnily the cure is connection with my long suffering and loving friends. </span><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;">Having them hang out with me and engage in social things even when I don't feel like it. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;">And in the midst of all of this lots of self care, getting enough sleep, eating well, and avoiding taking on too much which is stressful (as if that is possible in the Twenty first century!) </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-34775576.post-54379118023930057322017-02-15T12:03:00.000+08:002017-02-20T11:29:04.624+08:00Rebooting the blog and most of me <i>So I thought I'd finished with this blog but the universe seems to have conspired to line up events in such a way that I couldn't help but to write about it . . . . </i><br />
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<b>October 2016</b></div>
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I'm in Caen, France, after spending 4 glorious days in Paris seeing the sites and eating some great food. Caen is a wonderful small town where I wander with my friends, enjoy the history that I am there to learn and reveal in the experience of travel. Early one morning I awaken to missed calls and texts messages. My Dad is fatally ill. Can you come home?</div>
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36 hours later via trains and planes, some sleep, much wine, I am down in Mandurah sitting with Dad, listening to him breathe gently and then finally, with a slight dramatic flourish, dying. The usual chaos follows - family, funerals, fights, and then suddenly . . . . its back to work. </div>
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<b>February 2017</b></div>
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I'm exhausted. In such a way that I have never experienced. The summer slipped by in weariness, books and not much else.<br />
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A good Psychologist friend tells me its Dorsal Shutdown (which I will explore later) with a good dose of Anxiety (which I will also explore!) - but its not really grief. It's how I have learnt to negotiate my life for many years - and how unsustainable that has become - and in the face of my father passing, not bring able to do the usual coping things anymore. I am getting great support from her and my GP, who is an amazing diagnosticain but has now proved to be very pastoral too, is on side offering support from both the medicinal and talking points of view. </div>
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So in the interests of exploration, thats whats up - exploring this unexpected avenue in life mainly for myself and the people I love. Because like all journeys taken alone, you still need the love of others to see you through.<br />
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Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-34775576.post-62504117813373185442012-12-20T10:12:00.001+08:002012-12-20T10:12:28.742+08:00Come <p class='bloggerplus_text_section' align='left' style='clear:both;'>O Key of David <br>Come<br>Mystery beyond my control<br>Come<br>Who cannot be boxed<br>Come<br>Who seeks my all,<br>and nothing less<br>Come<br><br>who comes<br>on the late afternoon breeze<br>in the quickening pace of last minute shopping<br>in excited squeals<br>and overwhelmed tears<br><br>Who comes <br>in the midnight silence of those<br>Keeping vigil<br>the cloistered ones<br>the mothers<br>the ill<br><br>in ancient words of emmanuel <br>come. </p>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-34775576.post-31453764971544898902012-12-16T20:00:00.000+08:002012-12-16T20:00:13.639+08:00Advent 3 <span style="font-family: 'Segoe UI', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;">blurry mornings </span><br style="font-family: 'Segoe UI', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;" /><span style="font-family: 'Segoe UI', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;">weary bones</span><br />
<br style="font-family: 'Segoe UI', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;" /><span style="font-family: 'Segoe UI', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;">days warm </span><br />
<span style="font-family: 'Segoe UI', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;">m</span><span style="font-family: 'Segoe UI', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;">inds slow </span><br />
<br style="font-family: 'Segoe UI', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;" /><span style="font-family: 'Segoe UI', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;">sitting </span><br style="font-family: 'Segoe UI', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;" /><span style="font-family: 'Segoe UI', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;">waiting</span><br style="font-family: 'Segoe UI', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;" /><span style="font-family: 'Segoe UI', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;">longing</span><br />
<br style="font-family: 'Segoe UI', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;" /><span style="font-family: 'Segoe UI', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;">heart needing </span><br />
<span style="font-family: 'Segoe UI', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;">warming</span><br style="font-family: 'Segoe UI', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;" /><span style="font-family: 'Segoe UI', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;">despite the weather</span><br />
<br style="font-family: 'Segoe UI', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;" /><span style="font-family: 'Segoe UI', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;">that day</span><br style="font-family: 'Segoe UI', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;" /><span style="font-family: 'Segoe UI', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;">which dawns everything</span><br style="font-family: 'Segoe UI', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;" /><span style="font-family: 'Segoe UI', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;">still comes too quick</span><br style="font-family: 'Segoe UI', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;" /><span style="font-family: 'Segoe UI', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;">it's surprise leaving </span><br />
<span style="font-family: 'Segoe UI', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;">me</span><br style="font-family: 'Segoe UI', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;" /><span style="font-family: 'Segoe UI', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;">breathless </span><br style="font-family: 'Segoe UI', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;" /><span style="font-family: 'Segoe UI', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;">solitary</span><br style="font-family: 'Segoe UI', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;" /><span style="font-family: 'Segoe UI', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;">as if there is just</span><br style="font-family: 'Segoe UI', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;" /><span style="font-family: 'Segoe UI', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;">the child and I</span><br style="font-family: 'Segoe UI', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;" /><span style="font-family: 'Segoe UI', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;">as if we two</span><br style="font-family: 'Segoe UI', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;" /><span style="font-family: 'Segoe UI', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;">can make the world whole</span><br />
<span style="font-family: 'Segoe UI', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;">through our shared gaze</span><br />
<br style="font-family: 'Segoe UI', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;" /><span style="font-family: 'Segoe UI', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;">i have no gift to bring</span><br style="font-family: 'Segoe UI', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;" /><span style="font-family: 'Segoe UI', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;">but this torn </span><br />
<span style="font-family: 'Segoe UI', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;">tired </span><br />
<span style="font-family: 'Segoe UI', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;">soul</span><br style="font-family: 'Segoe UI', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;" /><span style="font-family: 'Segoe UI', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;">bent out of shape </span><br />
<span style="font-family: 'Segoe UI', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;">a year of encounters</span><br style="font-family: 'Segoe UI', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;" /><span style="font-family: 'Segoe UI', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;">leaving their mark </span><br />
<br style="font-family: 'Segoe UI', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;" /><span style="font-family: 'Segoe UI', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;">the child </span><br />
<span style="font-family: 'Segoe UI', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;">has no wealth</span><br style="font-family: 'Segoe UI', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;" /><span style="font-family: 'Segoe UI', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;">nothing </span><span style="font-family: 'Segoe UI', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;"> </span><br />
<span style="font-family: 'Segoe UI', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;">but love</span><br style="font-family: 'Segoe UI', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;" />Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-34775576.post-836653484603368062012-02-27T09:21:00.001+08:002012-02-27T09:21:55.933+08:00Beginning Lent <p class='bloggerplus_text_section' align='left' style='clear:both;'>Like many others, Lent seems to have arrived a bit by surprise this year. As I wrote on the usual social media site, I have been looking for what discipline I was going to embrace for the next six weeks. I really wanted to avoid the "give up chocolate, television, trashy magazines " mentality which seems rife at this time of year, looking for something bait deeper and life-giving. <br><br>The Spirit seems to have ideas for me however, as bed bound with a virus this weekend, I rediscovered two of my heroes - <a href='http://www.newmanreader.org/' target='_self'>John Henry Newman</a> , Cardinal and Anglo Catholic convert, and <a href='http://www.incommunion.org/st-maria-skobtsova-resources/' target='_self'>Mother Maria Skobtsova</a>, Paris living, intellectual, mother, and Russian orthodox nun.<br><br>So using this <a href='http://www.lovethechurch.com/lent/faber.htm' target='_self'>reading plan</a>, and the Skobtsova page above, spiritual reading along with saying the office (morning prayer and compline with the family), and making an effort to be very good and kind this Lent, seems like the way.<br></p>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-34775576.post-12385387825483996222011-08-21T12:09:00.000+08:002011-08-21T12:09:35.782+08:00tidal waves from behind . . .<!--StartFragment--> <br />
<div class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US">joe cocker and the <a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RePEPznG1Fg&feature=related">mad dogs</a><o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US">grace the player<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US">saturday night was <a href="http://www.superbowl.com.au/">bowling</a> lanes <o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US">with les enfants<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US"><a href="http://sergesblog.blogspot.com/2011/08/yes-he-said-cheerfully.html">fedoras</a> grace the hat-stand<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US">black for winter<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US">straw for summer<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US">my t-shirt advertises <o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US">long since forgotten japanese rock shows<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US">skinny ties are worn<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US">for formal occasions<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US">along with<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US">ancient doc martens<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US">princess collects tea set antiques<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US">while the prince<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US">pursues futuristic<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US">eighties cartoons<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US"><a href="http://www.newliturgicalmovement.org/">ancient liturgie</a>s are celebrated with passion</span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US">latin is beginning to be understood</span></div><div class="MsoNormal">books from childhood are revisited.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US">i cook from <a href="http://www.independent.co.uk/life-style/food-and-drink/features/elizabeth-david-and-you-thought-nigella-was-sexy-522928.html">elizabeth david</a><o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US">and consider riding<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US">my bicycle more<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US"><br />
</span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US">this retro life-<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US">is it escape from our modern madness malady<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US">by retreat</span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US">to an idolised past?<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US"><br />
</span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US">a passing fancy?<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US"><br />
</span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US">or is dwelling in the present moment </span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US">only possible<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US">whilst looking behind?<o:p></o:p></span></div><!--EndFragment--> Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-34775576.post-82142631623475285112011-07-14T10:05:00.000+08:002011-07-14T10:05:31.501+08:00Ministry Survival Skills - Part 2<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Segoe UI', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif;"><i>"To avoid one's brokenness is to turn one's back on the possibility that the Healer might be at work here, perhaps for you, perhaps for another" Robert Benson</i></span><br />
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</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Segoe UI', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif;">From <a href="http://www.inwardoutward.org/2011/07/13/embracing-brokenness">here</a></span><br />
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Maybe this means being honest about my lack of time, my unsteadyness, my busy-ness, my difficultly with slowing down so I can be really present . . . When I can do this, then I can invite others in, fully aware of the "I", then able to come to others without some of the baggage . . .Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-34775576.post-14359586448159589742011-07-12T17:26:00.000+08:002011-07-12T17:26:57.443+08:00Ministry Survival Skills - Part 1<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #515151; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', Times, serif; line-height: 16px;"><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: black;">I am keeping my eyes open for bits and pieces which can help form an underpinning for my minstry work. Here's todays: </span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #515151; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', Times, serif; line-height: 16px;"><br />
</span></div><div><i>"Make no doubt about it, the ability to listen to another, to sit silently in the presence of God, to give sober heed, and to ponder is the nucleus . . . ” </i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #515151; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', Times, serif; line-height: 16px;"><i>Joan Chittister OSB</i></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #515151; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', Times, serif; line-height: 16px;"><i><br />
</i></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: black;">From <a href="http://www.goodsams.org.au/good-oil/the-value-of-quiet-listening/">here</a>.</span></div></span>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-34775576.post-3427035376836189502011-07-11T13:09:00.007+08:002011-07-11T16:09:43.801+08:00back to the beginning . . . again<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #262626;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">T</span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #262626;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">erm has just ended and I am at the beginning of a two week stretch of holidays.</span></span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #262626;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">I feel spent emotionally, spiritually, physically - and on top of that, I just turned 42, and unusually for me, I am not sure how I feel about that - just pretty bland actually.</span></span><br />
<div style="color: #262626;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><br />
</span> </div><div style="color: #262626;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Ministry certainly has it's highs and lows and the last 6 months have taught me both where my strengths lie (working with people, hearing their stories and sharing their journey) and my weaknesses (my seeming inability to say no, not being able to jump from context to context as easily as I once did, not keeping my inner life nourished when stress creeps in).</span></div><div style="color: #262626;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><br />
</span> </div><div style="color: #262626;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Not being one to easily keep resolutions, I am thinking about what I can put in place to keep me on a far more even keel in the future. My work place have certainly listened to my concerns and my recent appraisal suggested that I be given more time in m job for reflection and spirituality work. Despite all of this, I still have to have both the fortitude and the grace to do </span>it!</span></div><div style="color: #262626;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><br />
</span> </div><div style="color: #262626; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">I have been working on a personal vision statement which is certainly helpful, and I am going to pick up some spiritual leadership training as well during the rest of the year. All of this will offer me much I am sure, but the hours of silent prayer, of lectio divina, of Eucharist, seem to be more and more likely to be the key. I remember a very wise monk, now an abbot, talking to me about the Liturgy of the Hours. His comment was something along the lines of "When you are going to pray, how does it fit with whatever else is going on in your life?". It's taken me years to work that one through but now prayer seems like it has to be the centre out of which all the rest will flow - because without it, I draw on my own too human resources, and end up, well . . . Here.</span></div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-34775576.post-876718378120683822011-04-27T22:05:00.002+08:002011-04-27T22:09:02.865+08:00Eyes into Easter<div class="MsoNormal">Since I was received into the Catholic Church in 2002, one of the Easter traditions of our family is to make the journey to Holy Trinity Abbey, New Norcia, with some of our extended family, and our closest friends – aging from 2 to 70! We go to pray with our friends the monks and spend time together but most particularly to participate in the Great vigil of Easter.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="tab-stops: 177.2pt;"><span lang="EN-US">Now, at most parishes, the Vigil is celebrated on the Evening prior to Easter Day. Not so with the Monks. It’s early. 4:30 am to be precise. And the Vigil takes a while. Never much short of 2 ½ hours. We hear all the readings of our salvation history, light candles, splash Holy Water around and there is often a Baptism or Reception into the church as well. </span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="tab-stops: 177.2pt;"><span lang="EN-US"><br />
</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="tab-stops: 177.2pt;"><span lang="EN-US">As with most liturgy, the Adults have grown into it through the years. We sing, read, play music and are involved in other ways with great thankfulness and privilege. Watching the little ones grow into the liturgy is a greater joy. None of our children can remember a time when they hadn’t attended the Vigil – and as they have grown into it their participation and their prayerfullness has increased.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="tab-stops: 177.2pt;"><span lang="EN-US"><br />
</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="tab-stops: 177.2pt;"><span lang="EN-US">Initially we would arrange for the children to come over after the Liturgy of the Word (which involved someone running across town to go and get them - but technology has made life much easier!) Now, as their parents suffer the inevitable tiredness of middle age, the children are leading the way – eager to be present for the blessing of the Paschal candle, processing into the church, sitting in silence, joining in the singing, taking a full part in the Ritual actions.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="tab-stops: 177.2pt;"><span lang="EN-US"><br />
</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="tab-stops: 177.2pt;"><span lang="EN-US">I have had to learn that we don’t have to explain to the children why we are processing or lighting candles or being blessed with water or why the celebrants are wearing rich golden vestments. They get it. They couldn’t explain it, justify it or theologize it. But it’s there in their faces. The Risen one is somehow very close to them. That’s why they want to be there. That’s the magic, and the mystery, of Liturgy. </span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="tab-stops: 177.2pt;"><span lang="EN-US"><br />
</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="tab-stops: 177.2pt;"><span lang="EN-US">Easter is a transformation of our entire being – our hearts, our spirits, our minds. Fine Liturgy and the eyes of children, might just take me there. </span></div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-34775576.post-84246942114344837562011-04-02T11:17:00.000+08:002011-04-02T11:17:04.213+08:00neil n the ball<!--StartFragment--> <br />
<div class="MsoNormal">Last night the ball</div><div class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US">The kids out in all their finery</span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US">God-daughter to-be looking lovely</span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US">(Dress by Aunty Pru, shoes courtesy of Maisey)</span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US">Convivial conversation</span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US">Much ooh and ahh<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>over </span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US">dresses n suity attire</span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US">I wander around</span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US">A little lost</span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US">A little amused</span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US">Nice moment getting photos with a few kids</span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US">Connection and moving on<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"></span>all combined in a picture</span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US">Real alpha and omega stuff</span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US">My mind wanders about</span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US">Hopes</span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US">Dreams</span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US">Past </span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US">Present </span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US">Future</span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US">Mine</span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US">and theirs</span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US">Driving home,</span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US">After watching them parade through</span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US">for dinner</span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US">then doof-doof,</span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US">I suddenly felt</span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US">Very old.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US">Am I just carrying the old ways?</span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US">how do i offer these</span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US">bright young things</span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US">hope n wisdom?</span></div><div class="MsoNormal">questions too big for a Friday night</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">i turn up Neil Young</div><div class="MsoNormal">make my home</div><div class="MsoNormal">through shimmering evening city lights</div><div class="MsoNormal">thankful for the journey</div><div class="MsoNormal">for love</div><div class="MsoNormal">and my companions</div><!--EndFragment-->Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-34775576.post-42346849576650802562011-02-20T09:58:00.000+08:002011-02-20T09:58:59.982+08:00here, but not nowhead exploding<br />
full of plans<br />
pulling me this way<br />
n that<br />
all about<br />
<br />
<b>whats next</b><br />
<b><br />
</b><br />
what are the options<br />
no more study<br />
time to do some living<br />
perhaps some changing<br />
what do the next 20 years hold?<br />
where do i want to live?<br />
how can i follow my passions?<br />
what is worth pursuing?<br />
what parts of my life need a desperate prune?<br />
what is life giving<br />
healing<br />
loving?<br />
<br />
there is an urgency here somewhat<br />
perhaps i'm a little preemptive<br />
but I see time<br />
<i>slip slip slipping away</i><br />
<i><br />
</i><br />
there is so much beauty to see<br />
so many experiences yet to have<br />
but<br />
its not all chasing<br />
part of me feels the need to jump<br />
(but not off a bridge my friends)<br />
to cast off<br />
to let go<br />
and see where i land<br />
<br />
holding all this in tension<br />
with a beautiful girl<br />
the prince and the poet<br />
n the hound<br />
the basic needs of life<br />
can make it seem<br />
impossible<br />
but to set aside<br />
will not help<br />
this river keeps flowing<br />
the voice keep whispering<br />
the heart keeps calling<br />
<br />
perhaps<br />
as old <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Joseph_Campbell">Joe Campbel</a>l said<br />
it really is about<br />
following your bliss<br />
<br />
expect the unexpected my friends!Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-34775576.post-89388106219161976662011-02-05T11:40:00.000+08:002011-02-05T11:40:26.659+08:00retreat 101 - slow it down150kms North of Perth, I am on retreat at New Norcia.<br />
<br />
Love been here - it is quiet, ordered and offers space for reflection, and of course, prayer.<br />
But I am finding that this time, it is hard to settle in.<br />
I suspect this is the result of a frenetic first week at school,<br />
and some of the inner stuff that I came here to address.<br />
<br />
The pervading questions I have on my mind are "<em>Where am I heading</em>" and "<em>Whats next?"</em><br />
<br />
This is not the first time for these query's however.<br />
<br />
In the past they generally led to a change of job, and in a big move, to joining the Catholic Church.<br />
This feels slightly different.<br />
<br />
I love my job, the many different people I work with, and the personal growth that come out of these close relationships. I couldn't imagine a better place for me right now.<br />
<br />
I love my family and social life. My immediate family are incredible, and my friends faithful and life-giving.<br />
<br />
I think I am talking about vision. Maybe I am asking:<br />
<br />
<em>What is my legacy? </em><br />
<em>Have I actually bought something to this world?</em><br />
<em>I am becoming the man that I think I </em>need <em>to be?</em><br />
<br />
I am Benedictine enough to not rush into easy answers to these questions. <br />
Sitting with them in the light of scripture, of tradition, of others wisdom will help.<br />
<br />
So will not taking them too seriously!<br />
<br />
Strange journey this life . . . .Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-34775576.post-44528812655936835052011-01-14T15:12:00.001+08:002011-01-15T11:34:36.931+08:00Cassian Part 1<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhMFrhDkRHzciYcDjBt2LjQ63makIukYNXmwwES75INxUxySLVqKhMi-Rz0eSiT2VB01SntEcwU3tNm12_bpbAfbgZHM65wTTjRRxOE9a51NFwwMetTOyySYrZqpsPKjBv3uVmc/s1600/Philokalia.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhMFrhDkRHzciYcDjBt2LjQ63makIukYNXmwwES75INxUxySLVqKhMi-Rz0eSiT2VB01SntEcwU3tNm12_bpbAfbgZHM65wTTjRRxOE9a51NFwwMetTOyySYrZqpsPKjBv3uVmc/s1600/Philokalia.jpg" /></a></div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="clear: left; float: left; font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 12px; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></span> In this no-mans land of Ordinary Time until Ash Wednesday, I am turning to the Philokalia - a collection of Spiritual writing form the Orthodox East. Whilst I have had a copy sitting on my shelves for years, this is the first time I have read it with any intent. I am especially looking at Cassians "on the eight vices". <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/John_Cassian">John Cassian</a> is an important figure in monastic life, his <a href="http://www.osb.org/lectio/cassian/conf/index.html">Conferences</a> and <a href="http://www.osb.org/lectio/cassian/inst/index.html">Institutes</a> containing teaching which still resonates across the Monastic East and West. "The Eight Vices" is a reflection on those areas in our lives which bring us pain and suffering (perhaps we could even say sin?) because we fail to address them in the light of the spirit.<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;"><b>Day 1</b>: On Control of the Stomach. </div><div style="text-align: center;"><i><br />
</i></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i>To eat moderately and reasonably is to keep the body in health, not to deprive it of holiness</i></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i><br />
</i></div><div style="text-align: left;">Cassian show his sense of balance immediately, beginning this discussion about the use and misuse of food immediately. Not everyone can follow the same rule of eating, fasting or diet. We are all different and what is appropriate for one is not necessarily appropriate for another. He does give a few guidelines however. We should fast, but not too much. It is ok to be a little hungry, it might even be good. Getting our relationship with food right is fundamental to how we will deal with other issues (the other 7 vices!) when we struggle with them.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: left;">What about me and you? We live in love/hate food culture. Celebrity chefs vie with Anorexia stories in magazines, fast food company's sponsor sports events, and wine is reviewed in daily papers next to stories about increasing alcoholism and binge drinking. Everyone is cooking gourmet or following the next trendy diet.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: left;">The middle way is as usual, probably the best. Food and wine are great, but not if we become (as the Buddhists would say) attached to them - failing to be present to the moment of taste and enjoyment and instead allowing the food to dictate something else to us about our status, our happiness or our importance. I need to learn to be able to enjoy a three course meal with matching wines as much as a peanut butter sandwich or a bowl of plain rice. For monks, Cassian would encourage not over indulging too much, and this is a lesson that I can learn too. </div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: left;">I have a dear friend who is very good at making ethical decisions about food part of her shopping and cooking planning. She has encouraged me to think more deeply about where my food comes from and how it was produced. Cassian would be in accord with this, especially if it helps us to live less selfishly and more in-tune with our local and global brothers and sisters.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: left;">Now whats for dinner? </div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
</div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-34775576.post-90884096179766075882010-12-30T13:21:00.000+08:002010-12-30T13:21:54.988+08:00post nativity lull 101the lull continues<div><a href="http://madeforafternoons.blogspot.com/2008/12/post-nativity-lull.html">08</a> <a href="http://madeforafternoons.blogspot.com/2009/12/post-nativity-lull-2009.html">09</a></div><div>just days of distant past</div><div>another man</div><div>another life</div><div>same issues</div><div>same gifts</div><div>less strength perhaps</div><div>more insight hopefully</div><div>deeper if not wider</div><div>still keeping the flame</div><div>still asking why</div><div>still wanting more</div><div>still wanting it all</div><div>dreaming</div><div>hoping</div><div>praying</div><div>looking for the secret key</div><div>looking through the dross</div><div>looking for signs </div><div>of love</div><div>of life</div><div><br />
</div><div>these days of christmas</div><div>the day itself slip sliding away</div><div>continue</div><div>the celebration</div><div>we cook</div><div>we eat</div><div>we drink</div><div>we share with friends</div><div>we recover</div><div>we sleep -</div><div>lots</div><div>- the heat suffocating</div><div>the sport awful</div><div>pages if new books turned</div><div>music played repeatedly</div><div>emails ignored</div><div><br />
</div><div>happy christmas season my friends n fiends</div><div>god be</div><div>with </div><div>you</div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-34775576.post-60714458133160658192010-12-18T21:21:00.000+08:002010-12-18T21:21:42.232+08:00december heartmy soul is tired<br />
but<br />
my hands want to keep being busy<br />
my mind restless<br />
but<br />
full of plans<br />
<br />
the days of christmas and summer<br />
stretch before me<br />
like<br />
fresh paper<br />
a beach in winter<br />
a monks cell<br />
<br />
these days of opportunity<br />
a paradox<br />
to not do:<br />
is to heal<br />
is to just be:<br />
frustrating<br />
leaving the year behind and moving forward<br />
a challenge.<br />
<br />
Sleep.<br />
Wine.<br />
Silence.<br />
Prayer.<br />
Zen.<br />
Friends.<br />
Walks.<br />
Love.<br />
<br />
My solution.Unknownnoreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-34775576.post-15327712371085766412010-11-21T16:31:00.001+08:002010-11-21T16:32:38.370+08:00into the great blue yonderday of sun<br />
of coffee<br />
and pancakes<br />
of endurance<br />
through long afternoons<br />
(Which as you are aware -<br />
I was made for)<br />
<br />
today's theme at the temple<br />
<i>life after death</i><br />
the great wide open<br />
(to quote Tom P)<br />
the beyond<br />
when love finally conquers all . . .<br />
strange how death<br />
brings up so many emotions for us<br />
fear<br />
dread<br />
denial<br />
<br />
<i>as if that breath you just took</i><br />
<i>will go on forever</i><br />
<i><br />
</i><br />
the older i get<br />
the less i fear<br />
perhaps I am just fooling myself<br />
but<br />
there is nothing to fear<br />
in the hands of<br />
the mystery<br />
in the end<br />
there is only<br />
love<br />
<br />
to be loved<br />
is to be held<br />
to be safe<br />
to be known<br />
for who you truly are<br />
<br />
St Iraneus used to say<br />
<i>be fully alive</i><br />
for there is no greater return<br />
for the gift of life<br />
i want to feel it all<br />
to go deep<br />
to do the really true stuff<br />
to discover who<br />
I am<br />
who you are<br />
sometimes<br />
this is all too much<br />
it requires too much leaving<br />
too much unknowing<br />
which makes me panic<br />
and freeze<br />
<br />
but we must go on<br />
<br />
when the last breath is taken<br />
the last tear cried<br />
the last word spoken<br />
i want to go into the mystery<br />
with no regrets<br />
but only thanks<br />
and joy.<br />
<br />
been quite a day.<br />
peace.Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-34775576.post-1076555482095343922010-11-16T20:38:00.000+08:002010-11-16T20:38:53.618+08:00love and the long roadsome days just<br />
blah<br />
who am i kidding?<br />
what do i know about<br />
entering the mystery?<br />
about anything actually<br />
i get insecure<br />
i get lost<br />
i get confused<br />
i stuff up<br />
i stuff down<br />
two steps forward and one step back<br />
now, i know freends<br />
this is just the way of it<br />
but<br />
geezzzzzeeee<br />
you'd think after all this time<br />
on the road<br />
i'd be a little surer<br />
a little sounder.<br />
<br />
this way of<br />
casting off is<br />
not the easy path<br />
its the listening game<br />
to yourself<br />
to the other<br />
to the mystery<br />
only travelling with what<br />
is needed<br />
the one word<br />
the single sign<br />
the burning coal<br />
<br />
i do know<br />
i believe<br />
in love<br />
this stays with me<br />
when everything else<br />
seems to leave<br />
i'm a sucker for the romantic<br />
the boy meets girl magic<br />
makes the world go round<br />
and if it goes right<br />
then we are all<br />
the better for it<br />
its only the little story<br />
of the big one<br />
the love which enfolds<br />
sustains<br />
creates<br />
forgives<br />
and renews<br />
but still<br />
it matters<br />
to me.<br />
<br />
i hope you are in love<br />
my friends.<br />
i hope that love<br />
fills you with hope<br />
joy n<br />
peace.<br />
<br />
:)Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-34775576.post-89775716716766875422010-11-13T18:18:00.000+08:002010-11-13T18:18:02.422+08:00transfiguration<!--StartFragment--> <br />
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpFirst"><span lang="EN-US">Land flies by</span></div><div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle"><span lang="EN-US">a white sphere carrying the future generations</span></div><div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle"><span lang="EN-US">father son and princess</span></div><div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle"><span lang="EN-US">southerly direction</span></div><div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle"><span lang="EN-US">the great highway opens before us:</span></div><div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle"><span lang="EN-US">the future</span></div><div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle"><span lang="EN-US">the present</span></div><div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle"><span lang="EN-US">the past</span></div><div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle"><span lang="EN-US">all meld into one</span></div><div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle"><span lang="EN-US">flying through the outback</span></div><div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle"><span lang="EN-US">suburbs blur</span></div><div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle"><span lang="EN-US">train lines join and straighten</span></div><div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle"><span lang="EN-US">great power line monsters pace their way </span></div><div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle"><span lang="EN-US">across acres of subdivision </span></div><div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle"><span lang="EN-US">and chalk markings</span></div><div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle"><span lang="EN-US">children cry</span></div><div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle"><span lang="EN-US">puppy alternates between wake and sleep</span></div><div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle"><span lang="EN-US">we visit the elders</span></div><div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle"><span lang="EN-US">we cook and talk and</span></div><div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle"><span lang="EN-US">discuss the old time</span></div><div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle"><span lang="EN-US">the puppy brings some joy to the bed bound</span></div><div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle"><span lang="EN-US">the children bring joy to them all</span></div><div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle"><span lang="EN-US">I sit and take it all in</span></div><div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle"><span lang="EN-US">for once aware of the moment</span></div><div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle"><span lang="EN-US">of its awe</span></div><div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle"><span lang="EN-US">of its mystery</span></div><div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle"><span lang="EN-US">these days will not always be</span></div><div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle"><span lang="EN-US">these too will pass away</span></div><div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle"><span lang="EN-US">i will be left</span></div><div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle"><span lang="EN-US">i will grieve</span></div><div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle"><span lang="EN-US">and i too will pass away</span></div><div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle"><span lang="EN-US">in that moment</span></div><div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle"><span lang="EN-US">I thought of all those I love</span></div><div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle"><span lang="EN-US">of my dearest friends and companions</span></div><div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle"><span lang="EN-US">of the great love mystery</span></div><div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle"><span lang="EN-US">which enacted us to be drawn together</span></div><div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle"><span lang="EN-US">i was thankful</span></div><div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle"><span lang="EN-US">i was awed</span></div><div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle"><span lang="EN-US">i was humbled</span></div><div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle"><span lang="EN-US">by all the love shown to me</span></div><div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle"><span lang="EN-US"><br />
</span></div><div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle"><span lang="EN-US">you who read this</span></div><div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle"><span lang="EN-US">are part of this mystery too</span></div><div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle"><span lang="EN-US">for your friendship</span></div><div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle"><span lang="EN-US">thankyou</span></div><div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle"><span lang="EN-US">for your journey</span></div><div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle"><span lang="EN-US">my blessings</span></div><div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle"><span lang="EN-US">for your love – </span></div><div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle"><span lang="EN-US">mine in return.</span></div><!--EndFragment-->Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-34775576.post-4883137143648912732010-11-09T12:48:00.001+08:002010-11-09T12:49:06.717+08:00gathertoday was a gathering<br />
a meeting<br />
a celebration<br />
for some.<br />
sometimes<br />
- in truth, often -<br />
it is hard enter<br />
the mystery<br />
at corporate rituals.<br />
simplicity is lost<br />
replaced by fussiness<br />
a sense of unnatural drama<br />
inane music <br />
but it is<br />
all of a high quality<br />
which is what <br />
the world demands<br />
<br />
i long to again<br />
tread <br />
the abbeys quiet boards<br />
to softly chant the ancient lines<br />
to still the body<br />
quiet the mind<br />
allow space<br />
and time<br />
to speak to me<br />
not continuously rally against<br />
people and systems<br />
that don't understand<br />
or want to enter<br />
the depths.<br />
<br />
aching shoulders<br />
bear the days burdens<br />
even when <br />
there is nothing<br />
worth carrying.Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-34775576.post-75078633381018943482010-11-06T10:50:00.000+08:002010-11-06T10:50:22.531+08:00sat, err, daydays lengthen<br />
my nights creep<br />
slowly shorter<br />
early morning calls<br />
courtesy of the new infant canine<br />
papers and caffeine<br />
the rituals to mark<br />
another day<br />
<br />
week ends<br />
what a seven days<br />
celebration and pain<br />
mystery and mayhem<br />
young and old<br />
births and deaths<br />
beginnings and endings<br />
friendship<br />
hope<br />
loss<br />
light<br />
darkness<br />
<br />
in its centre<br />
i stand<br />
some sort of spiritual hobo<br />
<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">worn </div>yet alive<br />
bringing old gifts<br />
of truth<br />
trust<br />
comfort<br />
and love<br />
sometimes tearful<br />
sometimes bemused<br />
sometimes<br />
just<br />
me<br />
<br />
its been a week<br />
if i erred with you friends<br />
my apologies<br />
and if i helped<br />
thank<br />
your deity.Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-34775576.post-78108410669290180622010-11-03T14:29:00.000+08:002010-11-03T14:29:28.461+08:00three eleven<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">beginnings of heat</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">desert wind n uncomfortableness</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">the western south land</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">hides in their transport</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">their castles</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">their place of employ</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">the young are sent out</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">under guise of health</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">only to wilt gently</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">amongst themselves</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">these days</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">the drought of the soul</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">parched land</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">even though summer has just begun</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">bleeding life </span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">energy</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">from all it touches</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">I would chase autumn if I could</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">winter n darkness</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">not this endless light n heat </span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">restlessness</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">is all pervasive</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">from fitful sleeps to </span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">days filled with a sort of dread</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">the heat becomes </span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">all consuming</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">all powerful</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">all resistance is useless</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">I give into its pull</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">its gentle allure</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">promises of slowness </span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">and sleep</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">and I <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>gradually</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">fade</span></div>awayUnknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-34775576.post-91157203887788487332010-08-24T14:46:00.001+08:002010-08-24T14:47:22.793+08:00Well Hung<em>Why Australia should see a hung parliament as a sign of growing up.</em><br />
<br />
So, finally, it’s over. One of the most boring, nasty and downright uninspiring election campaigns this country has ever seen. Neither major party had much to say, apart from repeatedly publically denigrating the other on issues large, small and irrelevant. The result? A thoughtful and generally unimpressed public made the decision we all foresaw: a tie. Choosing the best from a bad bunch had never been more difficult.<br />
<br />
The next few days and weeks will be a monumental time in Australian politics, with the possibilities of major political and social change, not to mention the balance of power in the lower house, lying with the four or five independent and minor parties. Will our political system be able to cope with the possibilities of the two established parties no longer been able to call the shots, and issues which feature broadly in regional and country Australia for once been given legitimate consideration and action. <br />
<br />
This situation hasn’t occurred in Australia for the last seventy years, but has become a more common event in state politics and many overseas elections. Whilst a negative view may hold that hung parliaments are a sign of lackluster campaigns and politicians, a more positive view may be that Australians are longing for real political choice and no longer find the broad policy strokes of the major parties palatable. We are, politically speaking, growing up.<br />
<br />
Take for instance the Green option. Whilst I personally found much of their policy unfathomable, especially their massive reduction in funding to Catholic schools, their willingness to put the climate change and water issues front and centre, especially as the major parties fought internally over the issue, made them the obvious choice to many. Despite what politicians may think, or focus groups might tell us, people are concerned about what the future holds for their lives, and the lives of coming generations. The majors forgot this at their peril.<br />
<br />
The election of Independents also tells a story. Regional and Country Australia, our food bowl, the location of much of our myth and our soul, is generally either forgotten or patronized during election campaigns. These electorates are beginning to put their trust elsewhere. Positively, these elected representatives are also passionate about changes to the very parliamentary system which is creaking under its own weight as you read. Their influence may well provide models and new style governments for future generations.<br />
<br />
I seriously doubt that we are in danger of losing secure and stable government in this country. The results of this election, however, may be the beginning of something deeper and greater than we have seen in Australian politics for a long time – a multi-party government who will make significant change, incorporating an open-minded and sustainable future for all Australians, urban and rural. It’s been a long time coming.Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-34775576.post-58897497019313888722010-08-14T12:58:00.002+08:002010-08-14T12:58:55.722+08:00Mad Men 101<!--StartFragment--> <br />
<div class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US">Thanks to a <a href="http://sergesblog.blogspot.com/">conservative blog for peace</a> I have become quite intrigued by with US series “Mad men”. For most Australians this is quite an unknown program, the second series being premiered this Sunday night on specialized broadcaster SBS, leaving us well behind the US which is currently airing the fourth series. </span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US">For those who don’t know, Mad Men takes place in the early 1960’s, varying its setting between the main characters Advertising office workspace, their homes and social lives. As the series progresses we discover that the characters are not at all what they seem, both outwardly and inwardly, as we journey with them through the historical events and changing social patterns which have influenced so much of our modern culture.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US">It is this historical element which captured me. The ways husbands, wives and children inter-related. The constant smoking and drinking. The more relaxed pace of life. Infidelity and the subsequent risks and consequences. Psycho-analysis just beginning to enter the main stream. The fashion - men in suits, ties, hats and cufflinks. Women in dresses and smarts suits. No seatbelts. Jazz. Dope. Cars with fins. Summer family holidays. The attention to detail is quite startling and creates a convincing sense of time travel.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US">Being a 60’s aficionado, it didn’t take much to pull me in, but what is so clever about Mad Men is that unlike the “Wonder Years”, no rosy pictures are painted, life is seen as it was with all its complexity, shortcomings, joys, hopes and dreams. Despite its lack of any deep morality or unselfishness, watching Mad men leaves me with a wistfulness for that time and perhaps unrealistically, for a way of living which seems to be long since gone.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US">What do I think I am missing, either in reality or mystique? People being concerned with dressing well, and actually considering another human being. Opportunities for real<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>interaction, with offices that socialized and families that did things together. Kids having time to BE kids and play outdoors and with each other, rather than staring at screens. The world being a new place and new science and thinking changing and improving the life of the ordinary person. Travelling by public transport and having time to think, to ponder and reflect.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US">Maybe I am a romantic, but it seems like it was easier to live this way in the past. The next question is a common one these days - Can we reclaim them somehow? In this, like most things, I am a moderate. The past is not all unwaveringly good and I certainly wouldn’t like to live without many modern conveniences. But I can try and live with more space and with humanity, leaving time for me and for others. I can enjoy simplicity for its own sake. I can live my own path.</span></div><!--EndFragment-->Unknownnoreply@blogger.com2