Travelling the world to fulfil a dream.

"Of course it's true, everyone's born with a gift - one that will allow them to fill a special place in the Universe that absolutely no one else can fill. A blessing that makes all other blessings pale in comparison. A gift of incalculable value to the entire world when it's uncovered, explored and embraced," - The Universe.

Anna Crechishkina was born in Ukraine and at age 25, something happened which Anna says, she still cannot explain. "In hindsight, I was perhaps becoming bored with the 09:00 to 17:00 routine and everything it presented. I just had this irresistible urge to ride a motorcycle. I enrolled in a riding school, got my licence and bought my first bike - a Kawasaki Eliminator 125 which was later replaced by a Vulcan 900. Travelling in the Ukraine and then to neighbouring countries like Europe, Asia and the Middle East lit a fire for riding within me and the thought of travelling the world started to foster in my mind. A four-month trip to India followed and in 2012 I made a firm decision and started preparing for my world tour. Planning took 15 months - presented many doubts and eventually a sponsored bike from KTM. I was on my way."

Where does one start with a story that will eventually become a book or two - a film perhaps? Adventures like this are filled with colour, smells, sounds, landscapes, intense emotions, people, tastes and technical challenges, which have to be managed on a tight and sometimes non-existent budget. Anna started with $1000. "This lasted for about three months," she says. "So the fact that I am still travelling, is an indication that this trip, despite all the challenges, was meant to be."

She travels mostly on national roads and during the day. Planning is not too detailed and intense as she prefers to be flexible to allow for those many miracles and diversions within every moment and every kilometre. The intent is to be and find authenticity within every experience, however, fleeting it may be. The fact that she has no technical skills to repair or service the bike in an emergency is of course also a factor to consider. And "it seems the Universe knows this as I have not had any major mechanical challenges," she says. "Something always happens to make me aware of a possible problem which is then fixed before I continue with my journey."

Fear will prevent most people from tackling this type of adventure. "I am a loner and I travel light," says Anna. This does not distract from the fact that I want to set an example and motivate others to also follow their dreams. I am not a professional rider or traveller and I am certainly not fearless - I have to work at and manage my fear, loneliness and the urge to give up. Often it is the encouragement from my many Facebook friends and followers that motivate me not to give up. The Universe also has this uncanny knack for providing exactly what is needed when it is needed and well, I cannot argue or fail with such support - can I? Being grateful for everything and expressing it in my mind, has become the energy that drives my every intention and action."

Define yourself? "Today I am more confident and believe that everything will work out." What is my biggest life lesson this far? "Be and stay humble," she says. People are most amazing and supportive when I share my intentions and stories about my trip." As you will see from the map I have included with the pictures, Anna's trip has taken her to many interesting corners of the globe over the past three years and four months.

Bilene in Mozambique 

On the way, she visits schools and orphanages to convey a message of hope that will motivate kids to follow their dreams. "One of my goals is also to set a Guinness World record for the longest solo trip by a woman motorcyclist."

"Everything is possible - every idea that presents itself in your mind means something and one should pay attention. The most difficult part of this trip is to say goodbye. And I still have to see a lot of South Africa before I continue to the next country but since you insist - I think Chilli is my favourite country so far."

There is much more to tell and share about Anna - her dream and this trip. I concluded the interview with this question: "What is the first thing you will buy once this trip comes to an end? "A dog - a Labrador," she said. And that my dear reader came without hesitation and from her heart.

If you want to follow Anna visit her Facebook page or www.ihaveadreamtravel.com. Anna stayed with Rika de Bruyn (duh - who else) while she explored the Lowveld, Mozambique and Swaziland. Rika is one the most accomplished and respected female adventure riders in SA and the owner and organiser of the immensely successful Lowveld (LDBA) and Natal (NDBA) Dual Bike Challenges.

Written by Matthys Ferreira and first published in the Autodealer Lowveld.

MINDFULNESS

Mindfulness is an awareness of whatever is happening in the present moment – now!

Osho – one of the wise men of ancient times said “man has to learn only one thing – that it takes only a single step and the journey is over – that step is to do everything watchfully! A man or women who can do everything fully conscious, becomes a luminous phenomenon”.

 I have had a number of experiences over the last couple of weeks which would serve as excellent examples of how not to provide a service.

What is it with service providers in Nelspruit? Do they not understand what it takes to respond to requests and or suggestions by customers?

I am beginning to understand why this is called the “slow-veld”.

This does not mean that one has to accept it as the standard. Just state your case and take your business elsewhere!

 But be that as it may, in business a slow reaction or lackluster approach to customer’s service, will at some point cost you money or even your business and when it happens – please do not point fingers at anybody else – you are responsible!

 If one, in my mind, does things with a watchful awareness, you will always do everything in a state of single-mindedness and therefore there will never be reason to question your intention – there will never be a reason to query service levels and yes, I do accept that we all falter from time to time – we should accept this as part of our humanness and also forgive all those and ourselves when we falter!

 Once this falter becomes a habit though, claiming humanness does not cut it anymore. Another thing that perhaps leads to falter, is that we want to, randomly, do many things at the same time and this almost always leads to us not doing anything properly.

This can be managed though through structured delegation. And, delegation that also entails that the other, accept the responsibility that accompanies the delegation.

 I will leave you with this thought! The present moment, whatever it offers is always perfect – it can never be anything else! Creation is perfect – it can never be anything else! Food for thought – for every one of us!

Enjoy and be good!

Live the moment / live in this moment

Much have been said and written about being in the/this moment. The importance of this can never be stressed enough. Our busy lifestyle is constantly engaging our minds with past, current and future thoughts and thinking - to the point that we become completely exhausted.

The Universe only recognizes this moment – now. Past and future thinking prevent us from experiencing those many, and often small miracles that happen in our space all the time. It is important than one visualizes your goals and aspirations but consistent dwelling on it, or worrying about anything, to the detriment of living this/now moment, is not good.

The question then remains – what should one do to stay in the moment? First of all is to acknowledge and accept whatever happens in this moment wherever you find yourself. And then to become aware of your breathing – nothing brings you back into the moment – and for that matter, into the presence of God the Great Spirit, than being aware of your breathing.

And to this end, I would like to share two breathing techniques with you. Try it and feel free to share your experiences.  

The Ultimate Meditation  

(This is also a wonderful technique to use during the day – even if only for 5 minutes). 

We often hear the expression that to meditate one has to “empty” the mind. The better understanding is that of a “still” mind. When we “instruct” the mind to focus on more than one thing at a time, it becomes still.

For this meditation you can either sit or lie down but always keep the spine straight.

Become aware of your breathing. Be aware of the coolness of the inhaling through the nose. Pay attention to your chest and belly movements and the sound of the inhale. Relax into the breathing and the rhythm. Do this for a short period.

Now expand your awareness to include an awareness of the warmness of the out breath whilst still being aware of your sound and the chest and belly movements. Stay with this for a short period.

Now it is time to also become aware of your heartbeat, feel it, hear it but still keep the awareness of the inhale and exhale … the sound, the coolness and the warmness … feel the chest and the belly … feel the heart! Stay within this awareness for a period.

Become aware of the prana (life force energy) which is drawn into the body with every breath? Do not allow the mind to define the experience, because it will limit the experience and thus ruin it!

Now extend your awareness into to include your hands and then your face, nose and take this process through the whole body.

Practice this meditation for 20 minutes in the morning and evening. Enjoy!


Twenty Connected Breaths (Conscious Energy Breathing)

This exercise only takes 30 seconds depending of the “speed” that you employ and is wonderful to energise the body and the mind.

Let’s do it!

• Four short breaths
• At the end of each four – one deep breath
• Inhale/exhale through the nose
• Four short – one long – repeat 4 x non-stop
• Breaths should be connected – don’t stop in between or take a “breather”
• The idea is to create a constant circle of breath
• Begin with this cycle  4 counts in – 4 counts out 4x
• Deep breathe - 8 counts in – 8 counts out 1x
• Repeat the cycle 4x

You can lengthen the in and out time if you so wish, but start with moderation! This really is a powerful technique!

You may experience dizziness, tingling sensations in the hands or stomach or elsewhere in the body. The sensations might differ from practice to practice. This simply means that you are learning and benefiting from the breathing. You might want to do this particular exercise only once per day initially until the body has become used to the extra oxygen. Practice this exercise consistently for one year and you will be surprised by your newfound breathing awareness.

THE MANUAL

Owner's Manual for a Life within Time and Space 


Package Contents:

    1. Thinker (you)
    2. Magical Universe with unyielding principals

Instructions:

    1. Think about the desired manifestation in its final form (the end result).
    2. Physically follow hunches, instincts, and intuition - enabling movement in the direction of the final form.

Expected Results: 

Manifestation will slip into Thinker's life when least expected, likely via so-called coincidences and accidents, unless contradictory thoughts are entertained.

Manufacturer's Note:

Believing in the necessities of blood, sweat, and tears, OR sacrifice, worthiness, and years may severely impede the manifestation process, as will worrying about the "hows and means" of attaining desired final form. Additionally, as long as Thinker consistently and perpetually physically moves as outlined, contradictory thoughts will be mitigated and weakened. In other words, as long as you keep doing your part, you needn't worry that you sometimes worry.

Guaranteed results 

Source - The Universe

Antiques and Artifacts

This entry is as much about a life-saving prescription for the love of your life, as it is about an antique and artefacts extraordinaire cum collector and dealer.
Antiques and Artifacts at Casterbridge in White River is more than just a quaint shop where you can buy expensive and not so expensive gifts - it is a trip down memory lane. "I love every item in this shop and will simply not display anything that I don't like," says owner Angie Bunyard.

Angie can probably write a book on people's responses, remarks and body language as they walk through and explore the many pages of history - all cemented in the minds of young and old. Angie is in fact, in my mind, selling memories - reconnecting people with experiences on an academic and emotional level.

"I meet the most extraordinary people, we engage and talk about everything and all, they share and sometimes, I can be but only amazed."

Angie thrives on the solitude and quietness of nature which nourishes the soul like nothing else. She grew up in Rhodesia. As the owner of a Safari Travel company in Botswana for more than 20 years, she supports various causes but "I am most certainly not an activist for anything," she says. She still organises Safari Travel for a very specific conservation market.

Angie studied fashion design - explored some opportunities in Los Angeles and New York and the rest before her stint in Botswana. "Nature, and to a certain extent also antiques, offers authenticity which is not to be found anywhere else. And, she landed in the antique business purely by coincidence, but that's a story on its own.

She supported Greg Duffy in Rocky's Drift with his antique business before setting up this business which offers a fusion of African art and artefacts, morphed with various genres of furniture and interior design. And, for a moment my attention is drawn to the music playing in the background - "Bob Dylan and tequila" she chirps - beautiful...

Yes, actually this is a place for peaceful and quiet contemplation, where every piece in her store has a story to tell - and sometimes, just sometimes, that story is yours. This shop really offers a "breyani" of life experiences and things.

But it is time to get a little technical. This is also the destination where you can now get that life-saving prescription for your classic or older-generation car. Angie has recently been appointed the exclusive supplier of the Castrol Classic range of engine oils in the Lowveld.

The range includes six engine oils as well as a Running In oil for rebuilt engines and transmission oil. These products have been developed specifically for owners of pre-1980 vehicles and motorcycles and offer a 100% correct formulation and viscosity as per the original engine manufacturers. "A classic car engine can have the opposite characteristics with cork/graphite/rope seals, low-pressure gear-driven pumps, larger oil galleries and greater dependence on splash and cling lubrication compared to modern engines," says importers Paul Williams and Giovanni Schule.

Using these products will prevent the scouring effect from carbon flake-off blocking jets and oil galleries. "With its perfect corrosion inhibitors, the engine components in these older engines, will enjoy significantly better protection than what modern oils - as good as it is - can provide, says Paul.

Well, Antiques and Artifacts is a destination shop for both connoisseur and casual browser. It offers perfect warm-fuzzy-feeling prescriptions. And, in this day and age, the latter are priceless.

Authored by me and was first published in the Autodealer Lowveld.

Wheat

Somewhere in the middle of nowhere a traveller has stopped and now leans against his car. It is quiet. A light breeze pushes its way through a wheat field. As the last rays of the sun races towards the horizon he recognises the swish of an irrigation system. It tingle’s his nose with a blend of water, dust, and soil. As it reaches his soul he realises the truth in the moment. "Remarkable," he whispers. Yes, this is it.

You see, wheat in seed form is utterly elegant and simple, with extreme complexity within. The latter can and will only manifest true beauty and value once all the elements synchronise to literally grow this seed to fulfilment.

Every person has been blessed with specific skills and talents. The synchronicity is each person’s intention to always add value and enhance the other’s skills and talents. This is how we create those conditions where everyone will experience their "remarkable - this is it" moments.

To create these conditions we employ the universe, technology, visuals, words, body language and the rest. Yes, with the right intention and focus one will be able to create and tell "remarkable" stories in such a manner that people will nose it - it will touch their being.

This is my intention – to provide words and pictures that will touch people’s beingness.

TO BE ...

TO BE …

During 2005/2006 I became unemployed and although this period presented many challenges, it was also a blessed time. 

By end of the third month and mostly non-responses to various job applications, I asked God (Great Spirit) what it is that I am supposed to do. A few days later the reply presented itself – “be still”. I cannot be still, I replied.

Few days later – “be still and know that I am God”. I said but you are not answering my question. Again a few days later – “Just be”.

What does it means to just be, I again asked. I meditated on this and again, a few days later there came this reply – “to be means to do absolutely nothing in order to achieve absolutely everything”.  

Another couple of days later – “that book idea of yours – it’s time to get busy”. So that’s what I did, I started writing and visualising instead of focusing exclusively on finding employment. That book “Journey from within” has now been published as an ePUB and is available from various electronic platforms.

I also began to study Reiki, reflexology and various other energy healing techniques and methodologies. I studied the Essene’s – an ancient people who lived near the Dead Sea and also left us with the Dead Sea scrolls. Studying their technology of prayer I was hit by a flash of insight which related back to the above definition of “to be”.

I have just read Mind Power by Robin Banks and his instructions on visualisation and manifestation synchronises perfectly with the Essene’s technology of prayer. It not only requires you to have an absolute clear picture of what it is that you want or ask for but – you actually have to taste, feel, smell and experience having it even though it is not yet, now, a physical reality. And you have to hold this picture in your mind – refresh it daily – whilst continuing to do whatever it is that you do in this life. We cannot ask if we don’t have a clear picture of what it is that we want. You only have to ask once also and then just keep the picture in your mind.

Towards the end of me being unemployed (20 months) – that last month - when I did not see myself managing another month of unemployment I wrote down three things which I would like to have – I then meditated on it and burned the note. 

One thing I asked for was for work that is in line with my purpose. My manuscript was just about completed. Three weeks later I applied for the position I currently still (9 years) hold – and despite no formal journalism training, I was appointed the motoring editor of a media company in Nelspruit.

I met and married a living angel and live in a house on a hill looking down in a valley. I am not world renowned or a millionaire, but I am hugely successful in what I do.

Lots of money does not necessarily result from being successful although success may bring you lots of money. 

Being happy and fulfilled irrespective of your perceived monetary value is a gift to be treasured like no other. It requires one “to be”.  

"To be" also does not mean to do nothing - perhaps not physically - one always have to do something - decide - create a clear picture - visualise - believe and have faith in the process and it will manifest. 


"Are you so sure it's not the dancer who creates the music she moves to? Or the painter who manifests the mountains he captures? Or the tycoon who builds the empire before there's a dime? 

Whatever you want, let it exist first in your mind, imagine every nuance and consideration, let the walls have substance, the halls have depth, and the money have weight in the palm of your hand, and then all that's necessary to bring it to pass will be drawn unto you." 

Sneaky, clever, foxy, wry  

    The Universe

JOURNEY FROM WITHIN

JOURNEY FROM WITHIN

https://www.chapters.indigo.ca/en-ca/books/journey-from-within/9780992493936-item.html

This is exiting news and an absolute must share.

My eBook/ePub is now available on the above link and other platforms. It is a potpourri of spiritual essays, prose and one short story - all in one. Many of the prose is accompanied by a photograph which relates, or not, to the words.

My journey is ongoing and relates to exploring the many consciousness levels of the mind and the soul with the intention to reach constant mindfulness within every moment.

Some of the writing may be abstract and challenging but I believe that the reader will find the essence.

I hope and believe that every reader will find value - if not immediately - then in due time.

Be good.

READING FOR THE SOUL

Here are just a couple of short impressions on books which I have read over the last two months.

The Essential Gnostic Gospels inclusive of the Gospel of Thomas and the Gospel of Mary – Alan Jacobs

For early Christianity salvation was gained through self-knowledge but the Orthodox Church has labelled this as heresy. Alan has brought forward again some of the most important renditions with simplicity. Gnosticism was about experiencing God directly within oneself. The Nag Hammadi papyrus rolls were discovered in 1945 and this brought much of the early knowledge and original interpretations back – the latter often quite different from that presented by the New Testament.
Wisdom is gained by studying more than just one interpretation of a particular subject matter and in terms of the Bible is wise to refer back to the above, the Nag Hammadi, the Dead Sea scroll and original Hebrew texts. It is often quite enlightening to experience first-hand how the today’s text has been altered from the original. No wonder then that we have this plethora of different religious interpretations which, in my opinion, does nothing more than to illustrate a perfect example of the “divide and conquer” principal.
This is truly inspiring read.

The Path by Maharaj Singh

The author is an enlightened master which presents the reader with a glimpse of the transcendental realms within oneself. Each of us has to follow our own path – part of this, is not to follow the herd – part of this is that not a single one of us can in fact advise someone else as to what is truly their purpose etc etc. All paths are correct. This is absolutely not something what the world out there will agree with, but so be it. All our efforts must be directed towards subjugating the mind and withdrawing to the Source (God). He writes about fear and control of the mind which really, in more sense than one is uncontrollable. The more one wants to control it, the more uncontrollable it becomes. The mind and the soul is two different things and has become subservient to the mind which is caught up between the ego and the illusion of this world.
I think this saying by Swami Ji says it all: “By thy self, realise the Self – be not led away by what others may say”

The Path of the Masters – Julian Johnson – M.A., B.D., M.D.

This book is about the Audible Life Stream. It offers a fascinating journey into the philosophy and practical benefits of being taught and guided by a living master. Living Master is an interesting suggesting and I found synergy with this in that some year ago I was reading – and with great intention and attention, the writings of the Essenes. In their Gospel of Peace, it is suggested that “the written word is dead” and that we should take our lesson from nature because she is alive.
Julian, a medical doctor, pastor, scientist and much more made a serious study of the many different paths, religions and writings by many, now deceased masters. He discusses the good in a whole host of popular religions – he refers to many ancient writings and philosophical schools of thought – he advise as to how to recognise a genuine master – the difficulty in finding one and their function.
He discusses God and the grand hierarchy of the Universe – the various perversions of the mind – reincarnation, Karma, the existence of higher worlds (something which is denied by most religions simply because they follow a deceased master), the principals of man being a microcosm of the macrocosm, a Christ attitude and the dreaded results of us humans not being able to kill “the desire” for things.
He refers to the many rituals (almost all completely useless) within religion and other schools of thought – most of them operating without a living master and following only the umpteenth interpretation of other interpretations of the various scared writings – the implicit and fanatical following of deceased masters and the chaos this is causing in the world. He refers to meditation, even that practised by a number of prominent Christians of ancient times and even today.
He refers to the partial good in all of these – negated of course by the fact that there is no living master in all of these practices. Thus preventing the student to connect with and access all knowledge and the real truth about the truth – and, so much more capacity to live life to the fullest and true to your purpose.
Our infinite capacity – something which I have always innately believed in, read about, investigated, explored through various meditation and breathing techniques – is infinite but we have lost our ability to access this worlds of wonder and wisdom.
I will continue to investigate and explore because I agree that there is still much that we know nothing about and as a result we cannot conclude and accept that which we are being spoon fed by media, government, religion. I will decide for myself. The answers are inside. The external will and do provide us with leads and stimulation, but if we don't go inside - we go without the truth. Call me whatever you want – believe in whatever and whoever you want – that is perfect – I respect that.
One other element of this book which I found fascinating is that although the author refers to many ancient masters – the Veda’s – Indian philosophies and more – he substantiate and quote verses from the Bible – he refers to the disciples and their incomplete training.
You might say - well, this is just another interpretation of interpretations supported by much and true practical experiences. The long and the short is this though – if you are an avid reader or student of this subject matter and these philosophies and, you have some practical experience – at some point you gain the ability to separate yourself from the deception that is so rife in this world with its divide and conquer religions, policies and governments.
Mental and academic superiority, refined tastes in ethics and aesthetics does not produce civilisation and civil behaviour – LOVE and love alone makes civilisation because it is the essence of pure spirit.
This is not an easy read, in fact none of these books are – but it certainly is inspiring and most enlightening.                    

Mount Sheba Lodge - where the silence responds to silence ..

Life and wisdom are the collective results of authentic experiences rather than the collection of things. And, more often than not, bucket lists reflect those many wanted experiences. It may be that your wanted experiences include adventure activities, or perhaps just reading a good book next to a crackling fireplace with a glass of red wine - a walking meditation in a rain forest - the rush of panning for gold or perhaps you'd like to be transported into the intoxicating history of the environment.

This is Daniel Sibiya. Daniel is an old hand at panning for gold and has participated in the World Championship in America but has, alas "not won anything as yet."

The 1st gold rush took place in 1873 when gold was discovered on Geelhoutboom farm near Sabie and was referred to as New Caledonian Gold Fields by President Burgers. Alec "Wheelbarrow" Patterson was one of the first diggers top arrive here - pushing a wheelbarrow with all his belongings around. He struck it rich near Pilgrims Rest. Although quiet by nature and not sharing his findings, another digger , William Trafford also found gold in the same stream, registered his claim and this triggered the biggest gold rush of the time. The result - Pilgrims Rest was proclaimed a gold field. 

Life was tough and many diggers died because of illness. At one time some 1500 diggers were working on about 4000 claims. Initially, they found what is called alluvial gold - gold dust recovered from washing gravel from the banks of streams but they did find nuggets as well. The biggest one at the time was called the "Breda" nugget which weighed in at about 6kg. 

In its heyday, these mines were the first to use electricity and Pilgrim's also had the first hydro-electric power plant.

It is said that the famous "Jock of the Bushveld" slept on the site of the Mount Sheba with his master Sir Percy Fitzpatrick. The rain forest which is part of the Mount Sheba Reserve with its natural hiking trails is home to trees that are more than 1500 years old. Now can you imagine walking among these giants while listening to the calls of the Nightjar, the Knysna Loerie and more?    

If the kids absolutely have to be indoors - there is this playroom - and yes, there are play stations also.

The recent revamping of the three-star Mount Sheba, a Forever Lodge, near Pilgrim’s Rest did not remove any of its authentic old-world charm and warmth. Whether you stay indoors when the fog hugs the outside world or go for a walk in the rain forest - the place offers an enchanting warm welcoming supported by service levels way beyond the star rating. This is a place where the "what is your room number?" question does not exist because the staff knows your number. Where "what did you think of the desert?" is an authentic non-commercial inquiry to wow at every occasion and with every dish.

The Lodge was built in 1968. A slow drive down from the highway and through part of the rain forest to the lodge uses part of the old wagon trail which formed the alternative route from Lydenburg to Pilgrim's Rest. The Lodge offers 14 King Suites and ten exceptionally spacious family rooms each featuring its own fireplace.

Mount Sheba also offers two conference rooms. For a truly magical wedding inside a rain forest (and now I do have your attention), there is a suitable and prepared spot just 200 meters from the Lodge. Mount Sheba's other secret is its authentic cooking and please do the Digger's evening - Ryk en lekker soos moedersmelk!

Whether you visit the "Grand Old Lady" as a couple, family or group, activities have been designed to involve everybody outdoors in nature. The Mount Sheba Nature Reserve offers wonderful views, excellent fauna and flora and bird-watching for those so inclined and is also home to the endangered Samango Monkey. Mount Sheba offers no less than 11 walks ranging from one to 10 kilometres and these will take you to a number of waterfalls.

We did not, on this trip explored any of the hikes. We have however booked for the last weekend in August during which we will definitely explore (at least) the Waterfall route and I will add some comments about it then.

And, there is more. Visit their website and book your stay, conference or wedding. I have a feeling that rush-hour is about to arrive at Mount Sheba – a lodge where 3 is higher than 5…

And when the fog sets in - magic whispers are abound for those willing to listen. 

BE THE CHANGE ...

I attended a performance booster business breakfast recently where attendees were reminded that society and business is moving from a mechanistic management approach to a more humanistic and conscious business model. It's not just about loyalty anymore. The buzz words are engagement - commitment - cash flow meltdowns - incompetent leadership - managers versus leaders - and the disengaged attitude of managers and staff alike.

And then this question arrived in my mind: What are the most important lessons that I have learned during my varied and often completely different working environments and, different roles within these environments?

Do you want to make a difference? To make a difference you first have to make a conscious decision to do so and then apply discipline to persist with this despite all the challenges involved.

Do you want to add value over and beyond the norm? If yes, it will present a constant challenge to your creativity to come up with new ideas and approaches to the what, why and how you do things.

People do business with people not with companies. Market yourself - be authenticity - be the change.

Performance Booster (www.performancebooster.co.za) teaches and present employees and managers alike with the skills and tools to effect change in within their own lives first and then to apply the emotional intelligence gained from this, also in their work environments.

Many who completed the program, shared - and with great enthusiasm - how they and their companies have benefited from this program.

I have always maintained that the initial benefits from most sales conferences and team building events lasts for a about two weeks after the event. Then everything is back to "normal". The reason for this is that without a fundamental mind shift about self and individual purpose, most behavioural changes don't last long. Permanent changes require, first and foremost, an unconditional acceptance of the fact that each and everyone has a divine purpose.

Employers, managers and leaders need to create environments where employees will be allowed to excel within their divine purpose. If you identify talent and capacity, apply the "manage without managing" principle - guide, teach, allow - don't terrorise or police but of course - when staff step out of line, one has to be firm, fair, reasonable and above all else, respectful. Many managers management style is motivated by the power of the position rather than their emotional intelligence capacity. Terrorise and police and you will kill the human spirit and eventually your company.

Create "growth mindsets" - engage in "growth conversations" (PB) - be more everyday - apply a different approach to at least one of the many daily, and often mundane/routine tasks. Take time to engage your mind, and staff in strategic planning - allow them to set the mini goals within the big picture and vision for the company. Allow them to set their own goals within the company.

It is important to rid oneself and the company from the constant survival mode philosophies and methodologies and the negativity dictated by the external world - colleagues, politicians, the economy and the rest.

Visualise, formulate, believe, do and trust. Even if you do not understand or know your divine purpose, do the work and trust the process.

What lessons have you learnt?

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Racism and disrespect - two sides of the same coin

When one consult the dictionary, the definition of racism and or disrespect will always synchronise to some extent with these definitions. Racism is defined as the belief that all members of each race possess characteristics, abilities, or qualities specific to that race, especially so as to distinguish it as inferior or superior to another race or races. Disrespect is defined as Rude - impolite and or offensive behaviour. The latter is often motivated by a sense of superiority.

The constant bickering in the public space about the above is leaving all of us a tad frustrated and gatvol. And, I am not about to add to your frustration with an academic or political discussion on the issue.

I am of the opinion that both words address exactly the same issue or behaviour.  The word racism is, for political purposes, a powerful baton to beat each other up with. It is in-humane and aggressive. I wonder what will happen if we were to replace it with the word disrespect whenever we are about to use it.

Each word carries a totally different energy and intention. Shout at someone that they are a racist. Then repeat it but replace racist with disrespectful and feel the difference.

I look at nature and how all her processes and methodologies synchronise - seemingly by themselves.

I consider the design and workings of my body and how much we, despite all the advances in science and technology, still do not understand. Thus I have to acknowledge the superiority of the architect/creator and I choose to refer to him/her/it as God.

We have been created in the image and likeness of God. This by implication means that each and every one is a holy and divine being and needs to be treated with respect despite any visual, physical, culture, age or intellectual differences.

It is quite simple actually – don’t you think?

Serious disrespect and verbal abuse can probably and legally be considered Crimen Injuria and so too can racism – we don’t need any more laws to manage it. We need for all involved to step up to the challenge of providing and applying ourselves to decent and quality education and upbringing of our children and well, disrespectful adults.

Then we will respect everyone. And the opposite of respect is not racism – it is disrespect.

BOOK REVIEWS 

The Sign by Thomas De Wessellow

THE SHROUD OF THE TURIN AND THE SECRET OF THE RESURRECTION

Christianity was born more than 2000 years ago but the controversy about many issues and the efforts to put them to bed continues. Was Christ resurrected – literally - or is it a myth? The Shroud of the Turin which can and do offer many authentic clues has been subjected to many a scientific test but sometimes even science of today cannot always prove many mysteries. Then again, it often cannot explain or disprove, with conviction either.

In this book Thomas, who is an art historian and widely recognised for his ability to prove the “unsolvable”, approach the authenticity issues surrounding the Shroud and Christianity from a different angle and prove the authenticity of the Shroud, and thus the resurrection, without any doubt. His findings are also illustrated with maps and pictures.

The book offers a comfortable but enticing read also referencing many Bible verses should you want to cross-refer.

Faith is to accept the possibilities of what is or can be even though one cannot necessarily see it at the time. Be that as it may, it is still fascinating to read and study various viewpoints about those elements which make up life – it creates wisdom and insight.


-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------


Thinking, Fast and Slow by Daniel Kahneman

“A lifetime’s worth of wisdom”

This is an extremely demanding and engaging book to read – it requires total focus as it works with two concepts or as Kahneman calls it systems. It is about being a good diagnostician – it is about how these two systems function – I will call them the conscious and the sub-conscious -  it is about how it evaluate everything which is observed to make decisions or create impressions and at which point the one will be stronger and more accurate than the other.

Everything we do, or not, are based on or is as a result of judgement – the latter is again based on love or fear. This book is about that which we are aware - what is going on in the mind but then takes one further into that which the mind is busy with that we are not aware of while we are focussing on the stuff that we think we are aware of but is not! It offers one a better understanding of the biases of intuition and the awareness of how we can be confidently in error without realising it. Are people statistically good intuitive? Many scientific studies often lack adequate evidence and observation which result in subjective decision making.

The long and the short, I think, of this book is that it illustrate the flaws within our thinking and direct us towards insight as to how we should modify our thinking by being aware of the benefits or not, of the two systems. Once one understands the methodologies of the latter, we can apply our minds and thinking methodologies to eliminate those perceptions which we identify as not being real or applicable at any one time thus improving our thought success rate.

Sometimes thinking fast is better than thinking slow, but the vice verse also offers many benefits.

I am not complete done with this book – have decided to sleep on it for a couple of weeks – 2013 to be exact! If you are “lazy” or seriously casual reader, you will not enjoy this book – so be warned! It will most certainly change the way you think about things.

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

The elephant whisperer by Lawrence Anthony

A truly apt title for a book which keeps its reader spellbound from the first chapter.

This is a true story of how Lawrence, who owns a game park in Zululand, was, out of the blue, presented with a herd of “rogue” elephants. The park’s name - Thula Thula.

Spellbound because the matriarch got shot during capture, the herd broke out of the holding pen shortly after its arrival at Thula Thula! They found a way to short-circuit the electric fence, were threatened to get killed by the Parks Board but faith and a superhuman effort brought them back to Thula Thula where Lawrence and one of his staff stayed with them for days. During this time Lawrence would walk around the boma and talk to them by name – carefully observing every member of the herd’s behaviour.

Suffice to say that in time he gained the herds trusts and he describes the subtle mannerisms of these elephants through which he recognised their acknowledgement of him and what he was trying to do for them. Despite the latter, he found himself in a spot of bother with this herd on more than one, and every time, unexpected occasions whilst also having to manage and combat poaching in the park. There were also those times when the matriarch Nana and her somewhat rebel sister Frankie taught him valuable lessons in compassion and caring for family.

This is a book for animal lovers and adventurous souls alike – it touches and speaks to the heart.

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
 

Inspired action

All people will at some point wonder and ask about their purpose in this life. I believe it is to illustrate God or godliness. Not an easy task - agree.

Here's another interesting observation - "our job is to take inspired action". Awesome!

What does this means? It means that we should, in the first place be grateful for what we have - even that which we don't have. Then we should declare, without any attachment, what we would like to have and create that feeling which we will have, when we have the aforementioned, as if we already have it.

Come again?

Once this is done, we should act on all the nudges and opportunities which present itself. It may just be the next step to where we want to be.

Let's go...

THE ESSENCE OF PRAYER

We all know and have read the verse: Whatsoever ye shall ask the Father in my name, he will give it to you. Hereto have ye ask nothing in my name … ask and ye shall receive, that your joy may be full. 

Then we say: but we have asked and we are not receiving!

When one studies the original Aramaic text, it says: All things that you ask, directly … from inside of my name, you will be given. So far you have not done this. Ask without hidden motive and be surrounded by your answer. Be envelope by what you desire, that your gladness be full … 

I am studying the “technology of prayer” as left to us by the Essene people of Qumran and other ancient masters. The long and the short is that emotion and feeling linked to absolute faith in the manifestation of your request and desire, plays a significant role in the success of prayer.  

What say you? 

LESSONS FROM NATURE

We have two of these feeders in the garden. And at times, the number of birds in attendance makes it looks like the Gillooly’s intersection in Johannesburg.

During breeding season, it is fascinating to sit and watch how, in particular, the sun birds would guide their offspring to these feeding stations. The parents would drink for a bit, fly to a branch nearby and wait for the little ones to drink before they again fly off. They will repeat the process until such time that the little ones have memorised the location and fly in of their own accord.

And then, at some point, they will actually chase the offspring away, violently even, when they want to drink whilst the parents are drinking.

This is the way of nature. When it is time to wean the offspring, the parents will display violent behaviour when chasing the offspring away to go and fend for themselves.

The question which arose in my mind is this. Why is it that we human parents or most parents anyway, insist on subsidising (mentally and materially) their children indefinitely no matter what? And I am not referring to unemployed or disabled children.

In their Gospel of Peace, written thousands of years ago, the Essene people said that we should take our lessons from nature and not from the written word as the latter are dead.

The Dead Sea scrolls (a fascinating read and study) were also written by the Essene people. They lived a sedentary live near the Dead Sea at a place called Qumran and away from “civilisation”. Cultivating their own food by day and teaching their children the truths of the world by night and by observing nature in all her beauty.

And then there is a school of thought that suggests that, if as parents, we teach our children as and what we are supposed to, that by age 7, children should be able to fend for themselves.

I do not support this though but yes, I do question the notion and motivation of infinite subsidisation of children/young adults/young working adults. I am all for drawing the line sooner rather than later, though. The time for this will be determined by the manner of how a parent teaches his/her children to become independent.

Is it because parents feel guilty about their neglect of duty – or low self-esteem?

What do you think?

REMARKABLE MOMENTS

Somewhere in the middle of nowhere, a traveler has stopped and now leans against his car. It is quiet. A light breeze pushes its way through a wheat field. As the last rays of the sun race towards the horizon he recognises the swish of an irrigation system. It tingle’s his nose with a blend of water, dust, and soil. As it reaches his soul, he acknowledges the truth in the moment. "Remarkable," he whispers. Yes, this is it.

You see, wheat in seed form is utterly elegant and simple, with extreme complexity within. The latter can and will only manifest true beauty and value once all the elements synchronise to literally grow this seed to fulfillment.

Every member of a team (the wheat) has been blessed with specific skills and talents. The synchronicity is each member's intention to always add value and enhance the other team members' skills and talents. This is how one creates those conditions where every client, tourist, and a visitor will experience their "remarkable this is it" moments.

To create these conditions one employs technology, visuals and words. Yes, you have to tell stories. You have to tell "remarkable" stories in such a manner that people will nose it – that it will touch their being.

Is your business associated with "remarkable?"

Are you a definer of "remarkable".

Do you create "remarkable” from the heart?

© Matthys Ferreira

THE POWER OF RESPECT

 We all have lessons to learn and we all are teachers of one another thus, at times one should speak your mind in a non-offensive manner. If someone does however still take offence, then they themselves have to deal with whatever, on an inner level they are projecting to the external environment and other people.

One can only be “disturbed” by others, if you allow it and if you allow it, you should never blame the other for your anger, hurt and some. You made the choice to be angry or hurt.

Now yes, I know that you are probably saying that this is all a lot of hogwash. Perhaps in your perception, it is, and that is fine - whatever you believe is okay and is right for you at the time. The challenge is, however, to respect and allow everybody else the freedom to express their opinion in whatever way they choose to. Obviously within the framework of “decency and non-violence”!

 The latter does at times offer challenges for all parties involved because of how the external world define “decency” and the need which one, at times has to “defend” your point of view because of your status or position.

We are so susceptible to the dictation of our ego’s that it is scary. Yes, I repeat, scary! If you are angry, for whatever reason - it is okay. One should allow the other to vent that anger, preferably in a non-destructive, non-violent manner and bless them.

Anger and disrespectful behaviour is an expression of fear! If you respond angrily, you are creating more fear - listen, acknowledge and let it be!

I received an insightful SMS the other day. It read: “every precious friend is a glimpse of the Great Spirit. It is one of life’s blessings, a priceless gift that can never be bought, sold or forgotten!”

We should consider every person that enter our lives, a gift and express our gratitude for being considerate and quietly respectful!

Silence - yes, what a wonderful teaching methodology! Eloquence in speech is a gift, but the ability to be silent is one of the purist virtues!

Be kind to yourself today!

SNIPPETS OF WISDOM

Snippets of wisdom  

In every business process there should be markers which, whether you scan them daily, twice or more times per week, should enable you to judge whether the company is operating within its set production, service and or profitability targets.

There are some decisions that managers can and should “sleep” on – others require immediate and firm action. If you neglect the latter, and more often than not these are those so called petty/minor/seemingly insignificant challenges, it creates more of the same and will create havoc between your markers - eventually creating conditions where managing even the small elements creates a crisis. Constant crisis management then becomes the norm and leaves no time for strategic planning, visualization, and creating new ideas and blueprints.

Managers do – checking - crisis management – policing of staff etc. (among other things).

Leaders know and embrace their strengths as well as their weakness and they employ competent people who can support and help them develop these weaknesses to strengths. Leaders are people orientated – they develop teams.

They are single-minded, stubborn, and even unreasonable at times – they take risks – they fail – but then they regroup and simply start again.

Leaders think first and constantly – they listen – they create pictures – they present these to enlist voluntary buy-in from staff who, is then empowered, trusted and rewarded with the space and freedom to manage the various elements within the big picture.

The result – almost always is – success and dynamic growth within the business. Staff members become intrapreneur’s and part and parcel of that big picture. I call it win-win for short!

I conclude - Never ever, when I am quiet, still, sitting and apparently doing absolutely zero - zilch, think that I am wasting time doing nothing. I am busy with strategic thinking, planning, visualizing, and creating. Perhaps you should try some yourself.

And if you absolutely have to butt in - stop, quiet down - compose yourself and then, and only then - approach …

A visit to the Casterbridge Music Academy always offer surprises. There are more pics on the general page.