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PEACE IN 10,000 HANDS – Photographic artist Stu Robertson

February 23, 2016 | 40 Comments

WHAT IS PEACE?

Ricky-Gervais

Motivated by the belief that art has the power to challenge and inspire, New Zealand born photographic artist Stuart Robertson created this global art project.

The goal of the project is to create an inspirational collection of photographs of a single white rose, an ancient symbol of peace, in the hands of 10, 000 individuals around the world. Men, women and children from every walk of life and every culture all over the world are united by this project inspiring global peace.

10000
10,000

 

As an artist I am exploring our similarities through art and drawing on the phenomenal power of modern social networks and instant borderless communication that dissolves prejudice and makes mankind more connected than at any other time in history.

It is a huge honour to share your project, Stu. Thank you for taking the time to answer these questions:

The Man behind the lens – photographs courtesy of Stu Robertson


How long have you been dreaming of creating this project and what inspired you to do so?

Creating a global art project has been a dream for a long time. I only want to be involved in things for the rest of my life that have meaning and can create change. I’m inspired by the belief that visual art can move effortlessly across boarders, break down barriers and inspire people. Peace in 10,000 Hands is the culmination of a lifetime spent in creative fields and dreaming!

What have been the biggest challenges you’ve encountered?

I feel blessed with everything that I’m thrown! There are challenges, for sure, many in fact! Funding is a challenge, but keeps it fresh and me on point. Certain situations in places like Iraq, PKK country in Turkey, Syrian border, Antarctica…. offer challenges in themselves, extreme situations politically and geographically. But all make for incredible memories and images. Electing to not take a flash, lighting or tripod is a challenge. But for me it forces my compulsion that in the moment I take a portrait of someone I am capturing an unguarded moment of humanity. I find less trappings in that moment helps facilitate this honesty in the portrait.

Out of the beautiful images created so far, which are you most emotionally connected to, and why?

I am fascinated by the psychology of personality and unguarded moments, symbolism and storytelling. So it is hard to choose an image or person when you can imagine so many moments shared. Over two thousand five hundred people to date and counting. Celebrities always humble me as they are prepared to put their face to project and endorse it. We are so blessed for the support we have had. Recently while in South Africa I photographed a Khoi woman.

They are pastoralist people and I was told that you could buy a license to hunt them.
It was chilling to hear

I photographed her with her child. Such deep love and emotion expressed in the moment. I love the tenderness and sense of peace a mother offers her child.

What has been your favourite location and what lasting impression has it left with you?

Antarctica. Hands down! Incredible. Such a sensory challenging part pf the planet. No smell. No sound. No orange, red, yellow…. Just white and more white. I flew in on an American Air Force LC130 (the L denoted when they add skis for landing gear to a C130). I stayed at Scott Base for a month and would visit the Americans base McMurdo. I visited and photographed the historic huts of Shackleton and Scott. It was a boyhood dream. 70 percent of the worlds fresh water is locked up there yet it is the direst place on the planet. I saw whales, seals and penguins and marveled at the 24 hour a day sunlight.

How crazy is your itinerary?

Crazy mad! It is go go go the whole time. My wife, Semele, and I do everything for the project. From the images, editing, producing the artworks, exhibitions, to social media and travel planning… it is full one. When away there is always so much to do on the trips too. Longest trip to date has been three months.

When did you start the project, and do you have a timeframe for completing it?
Any chance Toronto is on your list?

I started the project three years ago, I image it would take around a decade for the photography. The project will be a part of the rest of my life. With books, TV, speaking… Yes Toronto is on my list 

How has this project changed you as an individual and as an artist?

Both, yes completely. I have seen things I never would have. I now have more tolerance than I ever imagined. I see things differently. I feel things, never felt before. I am an introvert, so I am happy on stage (spent a few years on television and preformed all over the world as a pickpocket) but interpersonal and intimate social situations are difficult for me. So I have had to learn to talk to people and engage with them. That has been a huge change. My ability to capture a moment has refined and I always looking to improve my compositional skills.

In a recent interview, you commented that you have met people from all walks of life. What do you feel these individuals have in common?

Exploring the idea of our interconnectedness as the human race and our similarities in the human condition astound me. It is something that really fascinates me and is one of the core inspirations for the project. The are fundamental and intrinsic differences. But essentially when you boil it down there are more similarities in the human condition than not. I believe this runs deeper than food, warmth and shelter. It is a journey of discovery that will continue to consume my attention and the outcome of the project.

The goal of this project is to generate a global conversation for peace. During your travels, what ‘peace talks’ have you participated in or, what ideas have you learned of as a result of your work?

I have spent time with Archbishop Desmond Tutu, The Dalai Lama and the people around them. Also engaging each person I photograph on a discussion of peace and what it means to them. The two words that come through consistently are compassion and forgiveness. And that peace starts within. From you to, to your family, to your village, to your town, to your country, to your planet. It changes with you. There are too many caveats to peace. We must learn from our past, our mistakes and move on for the success not only as humans, but for the animals, oceans, plants… everything’s survival and peace rests in our hands. Same headline, same problem, different day simply means we need change.

Artist’s favourite camera and lens?

My favorite camera is the Leica S with the 70mm prime lens, truly stunning and incredible images. It is a medium format camera mainly used in studio situations. Mine travels with me everywhere!

Allison McAtee, © Peace in 10,000 Hands
Blossom Child, © Peace in 10,000 Hands
Elissa Schee, © Peace in 10,000 Hands
Bali, Thread Mill, Nagur, India, © Peace in 10,000 Hands
Hard Labour and Dust, © Peace in 10,000 Hands
Annie Preece, © Peace in 10,000 Hands
Fragile Dreams, © Peace in 10,000 Hands
Brooke, © Peace in 10,000 Hands
Fatma, © Peace in 10,000 Hands
Babushka, © Peace in 10,000 Hands
Langar (shared meal), © Peace in 10,000 Hands
Little One, © Peace in 10,000 Hands
Manuel and Roman Sullivan, © Peace in 10,000 Hands
Maata, Parihaka, © Peace in 10,000 Hands
Make Time, © Peace in 10,000 Hands
Maiara, © Peace in 10,000 Hands
Pari, © Peace in 10,000 Hands
Stacey Dash,, © Peace in 10,000 Hands
The Shadows Play, © Peace in 10,000 Hands
The Haight, © Peace in 10,000 Hands
Wisdom of the Harakeke, © Peace in 10,000 Hands

Stuart and his team are entirely self-funded. One hundred percent of proceeds from the sale of artwork go toward the completion of this project.

Visit Peace in 10,000 hands to purchase artwork and to learn more about this incredible project and the locations of museum and gallery exhibitions being held around the world.

Additional information can be found by clicking the following hyperlinks:

60 Minutes  Watch the lead story on Stu and Peace in 10,000 Hands
The First Collection  Peace in 10,000 Hands book preview
‘The Exquisite Clarity of Standing together’ Watch Stu & Tiki Taane’s museum installation
facebook.com/PeaceIn10000Hands
instagram.com/peacein10000hands
 

Change has to start from within.

We each have the power to affect the universal collective consciousness of all living beings in the way we choose to approach and breathe through each moment, each day, a choice in the way we treat our fellow human beings.

How can you make a difference?

Please share this project to move it into the hearts and minds of the world.

PEACE- to live in a compassionate world where we never have to worry about keeping loved ones safe from evil (humans and animals – all lives matter) – Sadie

What does ‘peace’ mean to you?

 

 

 

Categories: FOR A CAUSE Tagged: Art, Beautiful, Believe, Compassion, Hope, Peace

BLOG IT FORWARD – #BlogItForward

December 26, 2015 | 4 Comments

I am extremely grateful for the opportunity to participate in ‘Blog it Forward.’ A way to get inspired, spread kindness and make a difference!

Blog it forward

As a thank you to my fellow volunteers and the staff at my local animal shelter, who care for scared, injured, and homeless animals on a daily basis, I dropped off a box full of toys, blankets and treats for cats, and cookies for the people.

Gillian and I continue to work on The Awareness Project and hope others will join the cause.  It’s not too late to go back and participate through each of the themed months we have shared.

Please visit us next month as it is especially relevant to ‘Blogging it Forward.’

#blogitforward

For every blog that includes this badge, Wayfair will donate $50 to Habitat for Humanity.

I would like to share one of my favourite rescue poems.  The dog version by this author is equally beautiful.

Rescued Cat
By Arlene Pace

Once I was a lonely cat,
just looking for a home.
I had no place to go,
no one to call my own.

I wandered up and down the streets,
in rain in heat and snow.
I ate what ever I could find,
I was always on the go.

My skin would itch, my feet were sore,
my body ached with pain.
And no one stopped to give a pat,
or gently say my name.

I never saw a loving glance,
I was always on the run.
For people thought that hurting me
was really lots of fun.

Then one day I heard a voice
so gentle, kind and sweet,
And arms so soft reached down to me
and took me off my feet.

“No one again will hurt you,”
was whispered in my ear.
“You’ll have a home to call your own
where you will know no fear.”

“You will be dry, you will be warm,
you’ll have enough to eat,”
“and rest assured that when you sleep,
your dreams will all be sweet.”

I was afraid I must admit,
I’ve lived so long in fear.
I can’t remember when I let
a human come so near.

And as she tended to my wounds,
and bathed and brushed my fur.
She told me about the rescue group
and what it meant to her.

She said, “We are a circle,
a line that never ends.”
“And in the center there is you
protected by new friends.”

“And all around you are
the ones that check the pounds,
and those that share their home
after you’ve been found.”

“And all the other folk
are searching near and far.”
“To find the perfect home for you,
where you can be a star.”

She said, “There is a family,
that’s waiting patiently,
and pretty soon we’ll find them,
just you wait and see.”

“And then they’ll join our circle
they’ll help to make it grow,
so there’ll be room for more like you,
who have no place to go.”

I waited very patiently,
the days they came and went.
Today’s the day I thought,
my family will be sent.

Then just when I began to think
it wasn’t meant to be,
there were people standing there
just gazing down at me.

I knew them in a heart beat,
I could tell they felt it too.
They said, “We have been waiting
for a special cat like you.”

Now every night I say a prayer
to all the gods that be.
“Thank you for the life I live
and all you’ve given me.

But most of all protect the cats
in the pound and on the street.
And send a Rescue Person
to lift them off their feet.”

Categories: FOR A CAUSE Tagged: Believe, Humanity, Pay It Forward, Rescue, Share

FINDING JACK

July 13, 2015 | 4 Comments

WHEN THE WAR ENDS, HOW DO YOU LEAVE YOUR BEST FRIEND BEHIND?

A Tribute to War Dogs

findingjack

 

Last month, we introduced you to the movie ‘Max.’  Continuing with the theme of War Dogs, it gives  me great pleasure to share with you ‘Finding Jack.’ A rare gem of a book written by Gareth Crocker.

I take my time working through a book.  I’ll pick it up ‘now and then.’  Finding Jack is a book that captivates the reader early on and is not easy to put down.  The short chapters are deceiving; it’s easy to justify ‘just one more,’ over, and again.  Immediately, we connect with Fletcher, the main character and learn of the heartbreak that motivates him to sign up for the Vietnam war.

In a world where, understandably, if men survive, many find it difficult to overcome the stress, emotional and more often than not, the physical trauma endured.  A dog would be a welcome comrade.  Our introduction to Jack is anything but wagging tails and kisses.  Tissues required.  This story depicts how even the darkest world is made brighter with the presence of a very special dog.  Jack not only protected the soldiers in his unit, he boosted morale among the entire base.  Except for a few good men, this comradery, lasts only as long as the war.

This beautiful, poignant story is a tribute to the Vietnam war dogs,

many of whom gave their lives to protect American and allied soldiers. Shortly after troops began to pull out of the war, it’s believed the U.S. government ordered that the dogs be left behind.  It was proving too expensive to transport them home.  They were labeled as ‘surplus military equipment’ and left to fates unknown.

Fewer than two hundred dogs made it home.  This beautiful story about loyalty, perseverance, and hope, is dedicated to the dogs that saved the lives of more than ten thousand soldiers.

 

Note: this novel contains language that may be offensive to some readers.

 

Gareth Crocker

Categories: BOOKS & ENTERTAINMENT Tagged: Believe, Dogs, Faith, Family, Forever Home, Hope, Inspiration, Journey, Life, Love, Loyal, Safe, Soldiers, Trust, Wardogs

A DOG’S PURPOSE

March 21, 2015 | 2 Comments

A Dog's Purpose
Who says only cats have nine lives?

In this beautiful story ‘A Dog’s Purpose,’ written by W. Bruce Cameron, we learn of one dog’s many lives; some lives are brief, and others end tragically.  Each glimpse of a lifetime, however, is heart-warming and provides insight touching on everyday, real-life situations lived by dogs we all know or at least know of.

The story is told from the dog’s perspective.  Perhaps that is why it is so emotionally powerful.  Although there are several laugh-out-loud moments, be warned, this emotional story is a real tear-jerker.

You will want to put this book down several times while ready the story. ONLY to hug your dogs and hold them close

So far, ‘A Dog’s Purpose’ is my absolute favourite book – of any genre.  This book is not ‘a loaner,’ you will want to read this book more than once (and I RARELY read a book a second time).

The Purpose of a dog (no spoilers), is to love and to be loved.

Thank you, Mr. Cameron for writing and sharing this book – such a beautiful gift to the world.

Categories: BOOKS & ENTERTAINMENT Tagged: Adopt, Beautiful, Believe, Best Friend, Cuddles, Dogs, Enjoy Life, Faith, Faithful, Family, Inspiration, Journey, Life, Loyal

A SAFE PLACE

March 9, 2015 | 26 Comments

INTRODUCING REDROVER

Domestic Violence

What would you do if your safety meant risking the life of your best friend?

When facing difficult times, we are lucky to have friends to turn to. Sometimes, it’s our animal companions that bring us the most comfort (no judgment, no discussion, just a friend to sit with us in our times of need). In the case of domestic violence, victims become alienated from friends and family members;

Abusers will often move their victim and the children away from the victim’s family and friends.

Abusers encourage, coerce, limit contact with and lie to alienate their victim from their support systems (friends and family). These tactics give the abuser the ability to maintain control over their victim

We are quick to judge, wondering why victims of abuse don’t just leave! Abusers take away a victim’s confidence; they make victims feel the abuse is justified, and the victim is at fault. Abusers convince victims they are the cause of the attacks. Abusers threaten to harm or even kill animal companions if the victim leaves.

So they stay.

A few months ago, I was contacted by a follower (of my blog) who was brave enough to make the decision to leave an abusive situation and wanted help finding resources. Although she was made to feel insignificant, she found the courage to ask for help.

We judge people who surrender their animal companions, without considering that, in some situations it is actually the best thing to do. Sadly, for too many people this is the case. They make the difficult decision to say goodbye in order to keep them safe.

Thankfully, there is support available for victims of violence AND their companions. I was so glad to know of one such organization that could help her. SafePlaceforPets.org connects people and pets with a safe escape from domestic violence. SafePlaceforPets.org is a RedRover project with the National Link Coalition and Sheltering Animals and Families Together (SAF-T).

RedRover staff and volunteers provide soft hands and warm hearts when animals and people are in need, crisis and pain. We bring animals out of a crisis and into care, and discover new ways to strengthen the common bond between people and animals through these programs

RedRover Programs also include:

RedRover Relief – Provides financial and emotional support to Good Samaritans, animal rescuers and pet owners to help them care for animals in life-threatening situations

RedRover Responders – Shelters and cares for animals displaced by natural disasters and other crises, such as criminal seizures and hoarding cases, in the United States and Canada.

RedRover Readers – A unique community-based literacy program that helps children explore the bond between people and animals through stories and discussion.

Resource Video – http://www.redrover.org/redrover-relief-domestic-violence-resources

The world would be darker and colder without the many good deeds provided by the RedRover team.

Thank you Bailey Mannisto-Ichés, Marketing and Outreach Coordinator at RedRover for sharing the following information with us:

When was RedRover established?
RedRover was founded in 1987.

Mission of Organization
The mission of RedRover is to bring animals out of a crisis and strengthen the bond between people and animals through emergency sheltering, disaster relief services, financial assistance, and education. RedRover accomplishes its mission by engaging volunteers and supporters, collaborating with others and maximizing the use of online technology.

Domestic Abuse is a very delicate situation. Please describe how you learn about situations and the process of providing assistance is carried out. For example, do you work closely with a team of law enforcement officers and lawyers as well as animal control to ensure everyone’s safety?
Our case managers work directly with victim advocates to provide Safe Escape grants to victims escaping an abusive environment with their pets. SafePlaceforPets.org is an online directory connecting advocates, victims and concerned citizens to the closest pet-friendly domestic violence resources in their area.

Are you able to share an inspirational (happy ending) story with us? How is the program funded?

Clover

http://redrover.org/article/your-support-saved-clover-abuse

After living in fear of abuse and violence for months, Andrea* said, “enough.” She was ready to escape her batterer, but only if she could bring her little terrier mix, Clover, with her. When Andrea learned that Metropolitan Center for Women and Children in Jefferson Parish, Louisiana, could accept pets thanks to a RedRover Relief Safe Housing grant, Andrea scooped up Clover and escaped safely to the domestic violence shelter.

Clover received lots of attention and daily walks while at the shelter, and Clover’s presence made it easier for Andrea to adjust to life after abuse. After settling in at Metropolitan Center, staff and advocates worked to help Andrea achieve a fresh start by helping her find a pet-friendly apartment and even a new job – giving Clover the chance start anew as well. When Clover and Andrea were ready to leave, the Safe Housing grant from RedRover allowed the shelter to provide Clover with a transportable kennel, sweater, leash, harness, food and toys to start her new life. Staff from Metropolitan Center for Women and Children reported, “As of this date, Clover and her mom are doing well – better, in fact – on their own.”

*Names have been changed to protect identity

For people who might be wondering how they can help – even if their time is limited, what would you suggest and how can they apply to assist?

If you suspect that someone you know is being abused, speak up! If you’re hesitant – telling yourself that it’s none of your business, you might be wrong, or the person might not want to talk about it – keep in mind that expressing your concern will let the person know that you care and may even save his or her life and the life of their pets.

We do a lot of outreach via email and social media. Each October we participate in domestic violence awareness month, and the more social sharing we have to build awareness of the issue of pets and domestic violence the better! You can sign up for our general email newsletter at RedRover.org/Email. We also participate in various third-party fundraisers and donation programs, including SurveyMonkey which brings a considerable amount of donations into RedRover yearly, simply by having our members complete surveys. It requires very little time and makes a huge difference to animals.

For more information on other partnerships and fundraisers check out http://www.redrover.org/Partnerships-and-fundraisers


What are some issues that frustrate you when it comes to the welfare and rescue of victims of abuse and their animal companions?   What are your thoughts on how these issues might be addressed and overcome?

Relevant statistics on domestic violence and animal abuse:

  • 52 percent of victims in shelters leave their pets with their batterers (National Coalition Against Domestic Violence)
  • Up to 65 percent of domestic violence victims are unable to escape their abusers because they are concerned about what will happen to their pets when they leave (Carlisle-Frank, Frank and Nielsen, 2004)
  • 71 percent of pet-owning women entering women’s shelters reported that their batterer had injured, maimed, killed or threatened family pets for revenge or to psychologically control victims; 32 percent reported their children had hurt or killed animals (National Coalition Against Domestic Violence)

Most domestic violence shelters do not provide on-site shelter for animals, which is why RedRover is partnering with SAF-T to work toward the goal of having one pet-friendly domestic violence shelter in each state. In 2014 we were able to help by funding shelters in three states. We are still working on 13 more!

More info at: RedRover.org/SafeHousing

The Link
The discovery of animal abuse – a horrible crime in itself, can lead investigators to uncover further violence within the home.  Abuse of animals may indicate other forms of abuse taking place within the home; domestic violence, child abuse and elder abuse.  This is referred to as ‘The Link.’

This link between human and animal abuse is extremely important to recognize when investigating any type of violence, as it may uncover more victims below the surface. According to SpotAbuse.org, up to 76 percent of animal abusers also abuse a member of their family.

“When we recognize ‘the link,’ animal welfare groups and human services agencies can work together to break the cycle of violence,” said Esperanza Zúñiga, RedRover Relief’s program manager and advocate for the animal victims of domestic violence.

More info at: http://redrover.org/article/what-deadly-link

Resources: http://redrover.org/redrover-relief-domestic-violence-resources

Thank you RedRover for all aspects of assistance you provide through your programs.  Thank you for providing hope to those individuals who may be without.

 

Categories: ADOPTABLES, RESCUE GROUPS & SHELTERS Tagged: Believe, Best Friend, For a Cause, Goodwill, Heart, Hope, Love, Protect, Rescue, Safe, Trust

I DWELL IN POSSIBILITY…

January 24, 2015 | 21 Comments

– EMILY DICKINSON
Be (positively) Brilliant

There are many beautiful quotes inspired by possibility – a thing many will never understand because they refuse even to consider it.

For many years, I struggled in life. I was angry, and sad, and mostly conflicted – for reasons I don’t need to detail. I sought to change these feelings as I did not want to be that person. I was surrounded by the beliefs of others that proved to be a great opportunity for me to learn, and discover what did not resonate with me and seek that which did.

I took a leap of faith and bought a one-way ticket to England. Time away from everyone and everything that had influenced me thus far was paramount to my evolution. I could not wait to discover who I was – who I wanted to be.

I opened my mind to all possibilities. Before I had completely unpacked my bag, I attended a job fair where I was interviewed on the spot, and offered a position with ‘The Nature Company.’ This retail shop was located in Heathrow Airport – one of the busiest airports in the world. I got the job long, I discovered my faith and started travelling my chosen path; everything started to fall into place for me. Before people with similar values and beliefs came into my life. Working at The Nature Shop provided an environment in which I discovered much about astrology, our world and the different cultures and their beliefs. As well, I met some very interesting people on their way to somewhere else. That is the wonderful thing about airports. I would rush through security each day in order to avoid sad ‘goodbye’ scenes.

DON’T STOP BELIEVING

I had been in England for almost a year when I met my husband. Down the road from our first house, was a healing centre. The centre taught yoga and had classes on subjects such as meditation, flower blends, herbology and use of essential oils, and feng-shui. Services included Tarot Card Readings, Thai Yoga Massage, Deep Tissue Aromatherapy Massage, and Reiki. The healing centre became an oasis for me. Had I gone in ‘poo pooing’ the ideology of things, I most certainly would not have benefited from any. I kept an open mind and enjoyed each of those experiences. In fact, I benefited so much from my Reiki treatments I was invited to attend a workshop in Wales and become a Reiki practitioner. I went to Wales, I slept in a tent, in a field under the stars. Each morning, before participating in our Reiki exchanges, I bathed beneath a beautiful waterfall. There was a fallen tree across the stream on which a man would practice yoga. The experience was surreal – one for which I am truly grateful.

FAST FORWARD SEVERAL YEARS

These days, I mostly use Reiki as well as Tellington Touch Technique for my animal companions, and those in my care, my husband, and myself.

I continue to learn and be open to new ideas and practices. I was at a community women’s group meeting last year – a group that gets together to learn about a chosen topic, presented by a member of the group. In conversation, someone mentioned ‘The Bars.’ They weren’t suggesting we head to the local pub for a pint. Instead, they were referring to a type of energy work. When the meetings finish, there is normally a period of frenzie when women rush to speak with the presenter or other women within the group. It didn’t seem the opportunity to catch the woman who had mentioned the bars, would present itself anytime soon, and so I left. As with most things these days, I tucked it away in my brain and soon forgot about it.

Just before Christmas, this year, another group ran a ‘Pay it Forward’ type of Christmas Gift Exchange. Fellow group member Lisa Hill posted that she would like to offer someone an ‘Access Bars’ Treatment. Huh! How about that?

The section of my brain in which I had tucked away the previous ‘note to self’ suddenly awakened. I contacted Lisa and asked what it was all about and could this therapy also be used for animal companions.

“No” was her reply.

The Bars is something that only works on humans. Animals don’t have Bars because they don’t have the same “points of views” or judgments we have. They don’t need them.

Yamas! If you read my previous post you, will know what I mean by that.

ACCESS BARS AND HOW IT WORKS

The Bars are made up of 32 points on your head. The Bars treatment is a process in which the facilitator lightly touches these points to remove redundant thoughts, beliefs, judgments and points of view. 99.9% of all thoughts, feelings and emotions are not yours. Using the Access tools (including The Bars); Lisa teaches us; whenever you experience a thought or emotion, ask yourself, “Is this mine?” This is where ‘gut instinct’ comes into play. You will feel light and at ease when something resonates with you. If it does not, you feel heavy. The phrase ‘I feel as if a weight has been lifted off my shoulders also refers.’ If something does not feel right, ‘return to sender.’ Don’t hang on to it.

Lisa compares The Bars treatment to cleaning up the hard drive of your computer or “defragging your brain.” As you delete old files, which you don’t need, things become clear, and you feel a sense of lightness. Old files include ‘junk mail’ sent by family members or people who have willed their opinions onto you. Space opens up for you to save a new file – a reality based on what YOU would like and what makes YOU feel joyful. I booked my treatment.

The day of my treatment had been crazy; work stuff, domestic dispute, the feeling of ‘too much to do.’ Before arriving at Lisa’s house, I did message with her to warn her my ‘system’ was about to crash and that she would have her hands full. Lisa informed me she was up for the challenge, and so, as I lay on my back (fully clothed), the session began.

During the session, (which takes approximately an hour), Lisa and I chatted about the treatment. I began to relax and felt progressively calm during the treatment. Near the end of the treatment, Lisa asked me to indicate the barriers of my ‘presence’ – my ‘aura.’ I didn’t need to lift my arm too far from my side to show that I was pretty much just outside of my body. We talked about the ‘protective bubble’ and why it is limiting. People can stick things on your bubble when you remain so closed and guarded, and that is one way we adopt other people’s judgments as our own. Lisa talked me through an exercise to expand myself out into the universe; with no judgment and total acceptance. In doing so, one becomes like the wind where nothing can stick to you, and you can allow everything to flow through you. On my drive home, I felt energized, and my head was unclouded. I don’t like night driving yet this evening my vision was clearer than it had been during the day.

How does it get better than this? Show me!

Lisa suggested asking rhetorical questions and how to live in those questions, allowing the universe to bring endless possibilities. Leaving a question open to the Universe empowers us, creating, or imagining the response (whatever we expect that to be) disempower us. When you ask a question of the universe, not answering it can bring you possibilities that you could never have imagined. There is a realm of infinite possibilities available to us if we would just ask the question(s).

Lisa and I spoke about vision boards and how they are limiting. For example, you imagine your dream house and pin the photo of a specific house to your board. If you were asked to describe your dream house you might say ‘a two-story, country home with plenty of land somewhere in Ontario. If the person next to you was asked the same question, they might say ”a two-story, country home with a wraparound porch and a swing. The house would face west so I can enjoy the sunsets. There would be a detached workshop, 300 acres of land, a beautiful lake, and woodland on the property located in beautiful Muskoka, Ontario.   Even though, one is more specific both are answers. The Universe holds more possibilities than you could ever imagine. Instead of describing what we want, we could ask “in what house would I be happy living? We could go one step further, and say “show me my dream house.” Then see what shows up for you.

When speaking about New Year’s Resolutions, Lisa says, “When we make a “resolution” we put pressure on ourselves to meet these goals we set out for ourselves. When we don’t meet our goals or aspirations, we tend to create ourselves as “wrong” and we judge ourselves harshly. What if instead of making goals, we decide on a certain target. A target is something that you can aim for and shoot at as many times as you like. Sometimes you hit it and sometimes you don’t, but instead of “failing” when we miss, we get a chance to shoot again – making a different choice. We can adjust something, making it easier to hit the target.

Question to the Universe: “What energy, space and consciousness do I need to be in order to have all of this come to me with total ease and without limitation? Everything that is in the way and doesn’t allow that to show up, destroy and uncreate it. Right and wrong, good and bad, POD and POC, all nines, shorts, boys and beyonds.”

Wait. What???

Exactly. This last part is a code (HTML or css) for the human computer translated into English. Essentially, a batty bit map phrase created to trip the brain and cause it to ‘reboot.’ I looked up in confusion, when, near the end of my treatment Lisa spoke those words. My system had been rebooted, and I was virus free. I slept like a baby that night and woke feeling more refreshed than I had in ages.

How does it get better than this?

The following video link features practitioners of The Access Consciousness Bars and provide more in-depth testimony to the benefits of this treatment.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hRbzdlnWIQE

Visit Lisa on Facebook

https://www.facebook.com/feelingreat.net?ref=bookmarksFeelin’ Great

Healing Centre – Woking, UK

http://www.naturalhealingcentre.com/pages/about.htm

#SPONSORED

Disclaimer: Her and her dogs received a complimentar treatment from Lisa Hill for posting an honest review of this service. The feedback and opinions shared in this post are ours, in our words. We did not receive monetary compensation for this review, and it is our choice to share this product/service information.

Thank you for visiting our blog. We would love to hear from you; please send us a message or leave a comment beneath a blog post. If you know someone that might enjoy or benefit from the information, please ‘pin it,’ ‘post it,’ ‘tweet’ about it or simply share the link via email. Be sure you don’t miss future posts – sign up for email notifications.

Categories: WORKS OF ART Tagged: #Sponsored, Be Brilliant, Believe, Niyamas, Yamas

it takes a village

October 8, 2014 | 4 Comments

The African proverb “It takes a village to raise a child” means the work of raising (and educating) a child cannot be done alone.  Rather, the entire community must participate to some extent in the task.

Henry & Jack

In this case, a group of people (some, complete strangers) came together to work on a project; a children’s book with a very important lesson to teach children – be respectful around dogs.  By working together, this group is also helping to make a wish come true.  Henry’s wish to teach children how to interact safely with dogs.

I invited two volunteer friends to listen to the story and provide feedback.  Graciously, they did so, and their contributions were incorporated, to strengthen the lesson for children, and additional programs suggested which might benefit from book sale profits.

Upon hearing the story, one of the volunteers asked if the characters (dogs) were based on real life examples, and did I have a ‘Merlin?’  I did not.  Turns out, there was a dog at the shelter I volunteer at, that had been adopted and renamed……MERLIN!  My volunteer friend put me in touch with Merlin’s mom, a Marketing Executive and Graphic Designer.  Sarah Kirk-Douglas permitted me to feature her dog as one of the characters in my book, and has also been incredibly generous with other aspects of this process.  I could not have done it without her.  Sarah has kept me on track, provided invaluable strategies for marketing and promoting the project and kept me focused and positive, during what has been a very emotional and stressful roller-coaster ride.

http://www.eventsbysarah.ca

Sarah’s mom Nadine – an editor was also quick to volunteer her assistance.  I have read the words over so many times, having a fresh pair of eyes, and feedback from someone reading the story for the first time was extremely helpful.

The stunning campaign photos were taken by Sarah’s Father in law Garrie, of Nexus Photography.  The day of the photoshoot started off cloudy, thankfully the rain held off.  Our models (four, and two-legged) connected beautifully (as children and dogs should), and everyone had fun playing, more than ‘posing.’   That feeling translated through the images.

www.igg.me/at/henrysayshello

www.nexus-photo.com

Children and Dogs - Naturally

Children and Dogs – Naturally

I would drop samples of paperwork off to Sarah’s husband Craig at his place of work (close to my house), and he would graciously transport the samples back home to Sarah.

Craig’s Grandmother even joined the affair by leading contributions towards the project!

Paul – a member of Sarah’s design team has volunteered his time and suggestions, to bring my vision of a classic, traditional-looking storybook come into being.

www.designanddevelop.com

Ryan at Rayment Collins has spoken with me many times about the project, spending time to research and find the best option to create my classic children’s book.  The objective; keeping print costs down so the book is affordable and generate a margin of profit that will be contributed to so many worthwhile causes.

www.raymentcollins.com

Mike at The Drafting Clinic scanned my illustrations ensuring the highest quality image was available for the design team.  Mike is taking the best care of my artwork until such time as I am able to make the trip to collect them.

http://www.dccltd.ca/

The incredibly beautiful song used as an accompaniment to the slideshow was written and performed by Curt Carter & Tom Connelley.  I had the pleasure of communicating with both gentlemen and granted permission to use the song in collaboration with our project.  It was the first song I listened to, and I could not bring myself to choose a back-up song.  I would consider that ONLY if they denied my request.  Thankfully, they did not.  In fact, it seemed as if everything was falling into place – as if it was meant to be.  Carter & Connelley are kindred spirits.

These are truly songs from the heart. Without preaching, Carter and Connelley weaves a musical landscape allowing one to feel the beauty and harmony of nature within one’s self. We like to call it “environmental music with a message”.

 

Australian Cuddle Dog and Lazy Boy Retriever

Curt Carter’s dogs – referred to by his wife as an ‘Australian Cuddle Dog’ and ‘Lazy Boy Retriever.’

http://carterandconnelley.com/

To celebrate the book (prematurely), and as a thank you to (local) friends and supporters, a ‘Launch Party’ has been organized.  Again, Sarah Kirk Douglas has lead the way, organizing production of tickets and raffle prizes!  There has been no shortage of prize donations and a wonderful group of people purchasing tickets to attend the party.

The Event will be held at Boston Pizza (Keswick, ON) and our MC/DJ for the evening is Manager, Shawn Parkinson.  Shawn has a way of getting everyone involved; entertainment and audience participaction.  Shawn came up with a number of ideas for the evenings festivities including a buffet meal of pizza, pasta, salads and other menu items – a selection to suit all!

Thank you for the prize donations (at time of post);

HENRY PET PRODUCTS

henrypets.com

FETCHING APPAREL

fetching-apparel.com

STELLA & DOT (independent stylist Amy Lazar Kleiman)

www.stelladot.com/amylazarkleiman

THE HAIR COMPANY SALON

http://thehaircompany.ca

BROOKS FARMS

www.brooksfarms.com

BRENDA’S GIFT BASKETS

https://www.facebook.com/BrendasBaskets?fref=ts

INNOVATEX

www.innovatex.ca

BOSTON PIZZA (Keswick)

www.bostonpizza.com

It warms my heart to know that so many people believe in, and support this cause.  I am very grateful to you all.

http://www.afriprov.org/index.php/african-proverb-of-the-month/23-1998proverbs/137-november-1998-proverb.html

Categories: FOR A CAUSE Tagged: Believe, Children, Dogs, Education, Faith, Hope, Safety, Trust

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