Nutrition  

Dr Viv Harris, president of the New Zealand Holistic Veterinary Society, recommends that cat owners who want to give their pet a more natural and organic meal from home focus on a small selection of meats and supplements. A basic natural cat diet should include a mix of lean beef, lightly cooked chicken, rice and carrots. Cats are almost entirely carnivorous, but they do require some vegetables for fibre to regulate their digestion.

Dr Harris also recommends the following supplements to add to natural meals: essential fatty acids, vitamin E, taurine, a cat multivitamin, and a cat powder made up of torula yeast, kelp powder, lecithin, calcium and vitamin C. Torula yeast is high in B-vitamins and protein, while kelp (and other sea vegetables) is rich in multi-minerals, such as calcium, potassium, iodine and iron. Lecithen is health-promoting for the heart, brain, kidneys and liver, and vitamin E and C are antioxidants required for skin, heart and immune health. Taurine is an amino-acid that is destroyed by all forms of cooking, and is absolutely essential to cat health. If food is cooked or processed, it must then be added to meals as a supplement.

And if you want your cat to have a fine, lustrous body of fur, omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids from olive, flaxseed, wheat germ and cod liver oil will make your cat’s coat shine. Some cats may not like having these oils, or other supplements, added to their food, so introduce it gradually.

Herbal Medicine

In herbal medicine the leaves, roots, bark, berries and flowers of plants are processed to extract their nutrients, antioxidants and phytochemicals. Recent years have seen a rise in the popularity of herbal medicine, and fortunately, many herbs are safe for cats to use as well. Medicinal plants that are safe for cats to use include ginger for digestion, echinacea for immune support, dandelion root for liver and gallbladder health, chickweed for digestive tract healing, lavender for calming, and garlic for parasites, asthma and immune support.

Some herbal medicines can be used externally as poultices, creams or ointments for wounds, infections and skin problems. Chickweed is anti-inflammatory and wound healing, while comfrey helps to heal bruises, strains and broken bones. Tea tree and manuka are anti-microbial, and can be used on fungal, viral and bacterial infections. Check with a medical herbalist on the dosages required for the weight of your cat.

Emotional Healing

Bach Flower Remedies are a system of homoeopathic medicine founded by Dr Edward Bach in the early 20th century. The remedies are made from extracts of flowers and plants, and are considered safe for humans and animals. Specifically indicated for supporting emotional and mental balance, holistic vets and Bach Flower practitioners prescribe Bach Flower Remedies to animals who exhibit behavioural problems, such as aggression, fear, anti-social behaviour or neediness. Some remedies, such as Rescue Remedy, are even recommended for shock, terror and trauma.

If your cat is appearing restless or anxious and cannot relax, give White Chestnut. If your cat is antisocial around other pets and people, try Water Violet. Use Willow if your cat is urinating around the house, or becoming aggressive. Gorse and Elm help with changes of home or routine, and Chicory helps when your cat is far too demanding or bossy. Well, when more so than usual! Check with a naturopath or Bach Flower practitioner about which remedy would most suit your pet.

Joel Le Blanc is a medical herbalist, NLP practitioner and freelance writer living in Christchurch, New Zealand. His previous writing has featured in various publications, newsletters and websites, and currently Joel is studying towards a BA in English and Creative Writing at the University of Canterbury. When not working on freelance projects or publishing poetry, Joel spends time sitting in and weeding his organic herb and vegetable garden, where he hopes to grow enough produce for the whole winter long. 

Want to read more by Joel? Search on ‘Joel Le Blanc‘ in Happyzine for more inspiring, informative articles.

Image by Maria Stenzel

Arcadia Festival

Happyzine has always been in the forefront of highlighting all efforts which consciously confront challenges, and enhance our daily life. These challenges are numerous in our present times, particularly environmental ones with no real effort by governments due to political whims. Furthermore, the global economy is in depression at the present, and this gives the misperception that the environment can take a back seat. This is misleading belief, and need addressing on all fronts. We need to raise global awareness of what is happening in order to will a planet to our children full of vibrant life, and this starts with efforts now.

The Arcadia International Environmental Film Festival (Arcadia Festival) is one such responsible effort. This will be launched at the end of the year simultaneously in over 25 cities worldwide. This great festival has as its founder Aymeric Maudous, who is consistent, persevering and visionary in his actions regarding sustainability and the environment. Aymeric also wears the hat of an all round Ecopreneur, and has laid to green whatever he touches! His credits include creating EcoXpo, an uplifting event which takes place annually to showcase businesses and organizations which are in the business of Eco, sustainable or organic wares and services. Aymeric believes in good, honest and ethical trading of service suppliers to meet their equally eco conscious consumers.

“First and foremost, I want to inspire people from all horizons, backgrounds, cultures and social levels to connect

Image by Yann Arthus-Bertrand

deeper with our beautiful planet, and to each other, as one when it comes to the serious and catastrophic environmental issues we are facing. Secondly, Arcadia will work hand-in-hand with leading environmental organizations worldwide by providing an opportunity for these organizations to receive a substantial part of the funds generated from film ticket sales.” said Aymeric. What we really like is that in buying their tickets to see films, moviegoers from all around the world will be supporting the great work of these partnering organizations. Arcadia believes in working together for this shared vision: Arcadia will act as a global fundraiser for these organizations.

When I asked Aymeric when his plan will be a success he replied: “when I finally sit down the first night of the Festival after making the opening speech, presenting on the big screen the list of participating countries and the full list of films and documentaries. Since I am not an experienced public speaker, and on the top of that have a strong French accent, this will be a very challenging moment, yet memorable I am sure!”

Click here to view the embedded video.

The Arcadia International Environmental Film Festival encourages us as citizens of the beautiful blue planet we live on to preserve life and the Planet for future generations and we also create a vision for a better tomorrow for all. Please have a look at Arcadia Festival on Pozible, Facebook and Twitter and share this story with as many people as you can.

Aymeric Maudous

By Paul Smetana

There are times in life where a sense of ALIVENESS is none too close.  Those times are painful, full of suffering and the urge to shake off these feelings and thoughts are so powerful, that strange things can start to happen. [Don’t worry, this is a good positive piece, full of life affirming possibility, … just stay with it, I’m getting there].

People get fidgety, they also get sick, when aliveness is far away. But mostly they go into shock. The reason is that pain and suffering are not natural states of being, but fantastically, we have this amazing capacity to side step these kinds of intrusions.

Humans have survived for so long now. We have lived through every kind of nonsense, Calamity and attack. We have been able to do it because we can bypass, deny, look the other way, reinterpret, and fanaticise. We have found many ways to make life work for us despite all this storminess.

Shock is one of the big ways that help us. Is that shocking? Shock takes you away from all the pain. You become confused, disoriented, and dulled to it all. You’re unable to take it all in. You will look the other way. Shock can be good … IN THE SHORT TERM!

In the long term shock can wipe out your brain, give you something else to focus on instead, like an illness, or a condition. Shock and it’s use of diversion can lead you into such a uncertain way of living, that you get no time to reflect on the loss of Life in your life, which is the point.

It comes to pass for everyone to experience that moment on the cliff, where full aliveness is. It’s often at the end of a long dark despairing episode, that a wave of what it is to be fully alive, comes to you. What will you do then? What have others done?

Sometimes you hear of being “born again”, this is one of those moments. It’s not religious. At least not in the usual way of thinking about it. It’s a moment where Aliveness comes flooding in. What you do at that moment is crucial. This is the standing at the edge moment.

IF you let it go, look past it, ignore it, it will go away, then you go back to the “dulled Life”. But if you embrace that truly miraculous moment, your life will start to take off as you would have never believed.

There are times where this experience happens. Retirement is one, … and a big one, perhaps the last big cliff moment we get? This is the time where the full experience of all you have ever been, meets all you could possibly be. At this point, people either decay into frailty, or they bloom into explosions of wonderment and mystery.

I think, all through life there are these “Cliff moments”. Like Spring after Winter. Going from childhood into adulthood could be one of those.

Certainly adulthood as we know it, rarely turns out as good as it is promoted. All the goods and services and infrastructure, we have in our affluent times, seems to do us no good at all. Recognising this salty and abrasive fact, is usually a dark time of the soul, a real cliff hanger.

Get it? Small joke, to lighten the mood.

At the adult onset of the cliff, what will you do? Go into shock and dismiss it thereby, or [a much better idea], let it fill you with as much aliveness as you can stand, and keep asking for more.

Your life will take off in many mysterious ways. You will feel good so often that you might begin to wonder why this life affirming ALIVENESS isn’t apparent to others. Being ceaselessly filled with LIFE is natural, although for us in much of the world, it isn’t normal.

Embrace the cliff then, it’s the only way to glow. Get it, not go, but GLOW!

About the Author: Paul Smetana writes about the Simple Secrets of Being Touched by Life, and how you can be Happier than you ever thought possible. In Aged Care for 30 years, he has discovered what our most Successful Elders knew about “A Life worth Living”.  One Brimming with vitality and Joy. There are Articles galore in
www.betouchedbylife.com, plus some simple Lessons in Being Touched by Life, often in downloadable form. Enjoy!

By the team at the Hikurangi Foundation

Mark your calendars, 14-21 April 2012 the inaugural Tour of New Zealand cycle ride hits the road.

The Basics

The Tour of New Zealand is an 8-day, epic road ride taking in km after km of iconic NZ scenery (and keeping to the quieter roads where possible), described by organisers as, “the most dramatic, accessible multi-day cycling stage race ever to hit New Zealand. It’s an 8-day amateur event designed to celebrate everything good about cycling, scenery, competition and community, played out on some of the best roads the country has to offer.”

You choose to cycle either the North or the South Island, 716 km Cape Reinga to Wellington, or 777km Bluff to Picton. Then on day 8, riders from both islands will converge for a final showdown round the Beehive.

And, it’s not just about soaking up the scenery while feeling the wind in your hair…

When you fill in your online entry form, you’ll have the chance to tick a box to say that you want to ride to raise funds for the Hikurangi Foundation. Tick the box!!  Why?  Well…

Turn your ride into a Hikurangi fundraiser and 100% of the money you raise will go directly back to enabling better and safer cycling in New Zealand, supporting community-led cycling projects and innovative transport solutions.

We’re looking to get as many bikes on the Tour as possible, so there are many options for how to tackle the ride.  You can enter by yourself or as a team with anywhere from 3 to 70 people!

Team Rules

Teams must have between 3 and 5 cyclists on the road at all times.  Whether those are the same people for the full Tour, or you ride it as a relay, is up to you.  You can change riders daily, halfway through the race, or even swap riders partway through a day. For example, you could enter a 3, 4 or 5 person team and ride every km together, or enter a team of 15 and take it in turns.  The possibilities are endless.

You need not be Lance Armstrong to enter (though if he calls we’re not turning him down).  The Tour can be ridden as a race, competing for the daily stage winner prizes, or you can take it on for the pure challenge of crossing the finish line, not to mention the pure joy of seeing the gorgeous scenery New Zealand is so famous for, at a pace that allows you to take it all in, and looking pretty fit as a result!

Put your pedal power into work to support community cycling projects and smarter mobility

The Tour of NZ isn’t just another cycle race; organiser Peter Yarrell wanted to put together an event that showcases New Zealand’s incredible cycle touring potential, AND puts all its pedal power to good use. Hikurangi and Tour of NZ are partnering together, so that the Tour isn’t just about one great bike ride, but being a fundraising event means that it’s also about supporting community cycling projects and community-led innovative transport solutions to create lasting effects for years to come.

When you fill in your online entry form, you’ll be asked to select which charity that you want to ride to raise funds for.  This is your chance to select the Hikurangi Foundation. Tick the box!

Sign Me Up!

This is the first year of the Tour of New Zealand, which you have to admit is a little bit special.  Make sure you can say, “I was there when…”

Enter ASAP at www.tourofnewzealand.co.nz.  Signup now! All early entries get a bottle of wine (not guaranteed to help your training).

Entering early also gives you plenty of time to sort out your accommodation and transport – and of course find a good support crew driver or two.  Please let us know if you have entered or are considering it but would like some advice.  The more the merrier!  We have some savvy cyclist friends who have agreed to help us help you – with training and nutrition guides, and be on call for general questions.  Hikurangi will be entering one team on each island so we’d love it if you rode with us!

The Nitty Gritty
Individual entry is $500. Team entry is $400 per bike on the road. E.g team of 3 equals $1200, team of 4 equals $1600, team of 8 with 4 riders on the road at any one time also equals $1600. Tight budget? Enter a bigger team and split the cost between more people! Plus, there is a special reduced entry fee of $300 per bike on the road for student teams.

See full details, including race maps, and sign up online at www.tourofnewzealand.co.nz and select Hikurangi as your preferred charity! You’ll be supporting projects that will help to spark a positive cultural shift for cycling in New Zealand.

Download the pdf of this information here.

See original post here on Nick Potter’s Blog Re-Be.

Sometimes the universe just wants us to throw a stick

A few weeks ago I was sitting on a Gisborne beach. It was a calm summer evening. The sea breeze had ceased exhaling. Sunlight skimmed the surf. My toes explored the lingering warmth in the sand. I had just farewelled some friends so I was feeling slightly lonely.

Then a shaggy little fellow with flapping jowls and mischief in his eyes decided to break the peace.

Dogs and I often befriend one another. This one was a bit too salty for my liking though. His coat was rough and frothy from playing in the surf. He carried an air of decomposing seaweed. He was very much one with the beach.

Shaggy smiled (some might say panted) and sat before me. Eye to eye, he seemed to check me out. Then Shaggy turned to face the waves. We sat together for a while. It really was very shanti. Then something else got Shaggy’s attention. He sprung up and bounded down the beach.

The thing in Shaggy’s attention was a stick. Or more accurately—it was the idea of a stick.

He roamed the beach for a while, looking for his ideal piece of wood. Occasionally he’d pick one up between his teeth and give it an exploratory chew. Eventually he found a stick that met his dogged standards.

Shaggy brought me his Ideal Stick. He placed it at my feet. He knew what he wanted. And he knew that I knew what he wanted me to do. And so I lingered. I watched the stick patiently, playing a game of my own. I was unsure if I really wanted to go down this road with an old salty sea dog.

Then Shaggy barked. He really barked. It was part howl, part growl, and full force. He didn’t need to make his intentions any clearer.

We were playing. And I better hurry up and realise it.

So I picked up the stick and threw it. Shaggy whirled around. He ran off to retrieve it, trotting with delight. He collected his stick in his big mouth… and then ran around in circles. He looked totally mad. He dragged the stick around the sand. He buried it. He showed off how good he was at finding it again. Then he returned and placed the stick by my feet.

I paused. We faced off once again. If dogs could roll their eyes, Shaggy would have done it. Then he barked his awful bark and I picked up the damn stick and threw it. He chased it. Repeat cycle many times.

I soon gave in to Shaggy. His joy was infectious.

Looking at all the froth around his mouth, I hoped that he wasn’t infectious with anything else (I was glad that dogs don’t have rabies in New Zealand).

Shaggy and I played together for half an hour. His owner was nowhere in site. I probably looked a little mad myself as I tried to trick him with different sticks and buried his Ideal piece of wood.

Eventually we went our separate ways. He had left me with an air of joy (and a little bit of seaweed). This set the tone for the rest of my evening… and my week…and I’m still feeling joyful a month later. I’m not suggesting that Shaggy did this. But the Joy Factor is definitely riding high right now.
This encounter also reminds me of a time when I was not so joyful.

When I experienced depression many years ago, dogs were often in my dreams. Two days before I had a crash, a dog would appear in a dream. The dog would bite me. I’ve never had a bad experience with dogs in waking-life, so this really freaked me out. But I began to recognise the pattern. The ‘black dog’ of depression was making me take note.

At some point I realised that the dog attacking me in my dream was really just part of myself.

I was hurting myself. I needed to take better care of myself. And after I realised this—and made changes in my life—I had another dream about a dog. It ran towards me. I felt a rush of terror, fearing the old cycle. Then the dog stopped and licked my hand. I relaxed. I woke up, relieved. And I knew that something had totally shifted.

Playing fetch with Shaggy reminded me of how much I enjoy life now.

And I’m curious that the word “fetch” comes from the old English word “fetian”, which means to touch or grasp. Shaggy wasn’t the only one who’s good at fetching. I’ve grasped how good life can feel when we really open ourselves to different ways of being.

See original post here on Nick Potter’s Blog Re-Be.

The courses have been running for two years now and Ali, a trained teacher, writer and therapist says the feedback is really positive. “People say it’s simple, practical and inspiring. They also say it’s fun; that’s because we are learning and practicing in class, skills that lead to feeling more relaxed, at ease, curious, and interested which means fun is easier to have, which can’t be a bad thing right now in Christchurch.”

Research from Positive Psychology has shown that these types of skills can be learnt and that they do improve your feelings of well-being.

“Doing the course can be especially helpful for people taking medication for depression. says Ali.

“A lot of medication has been prescribed in Christchurch recently, and understandably so. Some people may now be thinking about reducing or coming off medication. We’ve had a number of people in this situation doing the courses and they’ve found the skills they’ve learnt have given them real emotional and mental strength.”

The next course starts on 28th February. Phone 027 348 7074 or visit nlptherapy.org.nz for more information.

Evolve, Festival of Opportunities

Iconic Nelson festival gets a new look for 21st birthday

An iconic Nelson festival has a new name and launched a new website – in time for its 21st birthday.

The event formerly called Festival of Opportunities is now Evolve Festival. Check out the new website at www.evolvefestival.co.nz.

Evolve Festival will be held at Founders’ Park on 18 – 19 February 2012. It includes more than 70 workshops on health and wellbeing, food and market stalls, a kids’ zone, circus skills’ lessons, live entertainment and much more.

Evolve Festivals’ owners Chai and Bex Deva took over the event last year. They have relaunched it under a new name and logo after feedback showed the previous one was a mouthful to say, and too hard to remember.

“The name Evolve just felt right, and it more accurately reflects what the festival is about today,” says Chai. “Evolve festival is a chance for people to try new things and learn more about themselves through a whole range of interesting and fun workshops, seminars and activities.”

The couple say even though it has “evolved” they are keen to retain the essence of the event, which is New Zealand’s longest running festival for health and wellbeing.

“This event is something for Nelsonians to be proud of. To have this festival here is a big draw card for visitors, it’s the only one like it in New Zealand.

“It’s the only event that blends a health and wellbeing expo and festival in one. You can learn about and experience new things, have fun and celebrate – all in one weekend.”

In the past around 2,000 to 3000 people have attended the festival, however this year organisers are aiming for up to 5000.

“We have enhanced the festival and made changes so it will appeal to a broader audience.  There really will be something for everyone -from market stalls and live music, to learning how to make your own cleaning products and clay pizza ovens. There will be a fantastic kids zone and family area, and more than 70 interesting and fun workshops.”

For more information please contact Chaitanya Deva 027 570 9985. Photos are available on our website: www.evolvefestival.co.nz

2 Degrees

For Immediate Release                                              
24 January 2012

Māori Scholarships for telecommunications careers – apply now

Māori students interested in telecommunications careers now have some additional support in the form of scholarships from 2degrees and Te Huarahi Tika Trust.

Hei Rere Mai, a programme launched last November by the Te Huarahi Tika Trust and 2degrees, is offering scholarships to Māori students studying towards ICT qualifications at the University of Auckland.  Applications for the scholarships close March 31.

Hei Rere Mai aims to increase Māori participation in the telecommunications industry.  In addition to the scholarships, the company and Trust are supporting career advice for Māori high school students and 2degrees is providing employment opportunities, starting in Customer Care.

Daphne Luke, Chair of Te Huarahi Tika Trust, says telecommunications is an exciting industry, but one few Māori have had a real opportunity to take part in.

“Hei Rere Mai is all about showing Māori what’s possible and how a career in telecommunications can lead to a diverse and rewarding career,” says Mrs Luke.

“With an annual commitment of $50,000 and up to $10,000 per scholarship, we’re hoping to attract students from across the country, recognising that some people will need assistance in relocating to Auckland to study,” says Mrs Luke.

2degrees Head of Talent Helen Roach says the programme will help 2degrees nurture and create talent at a time when skilled ICT workers are hard to find.

“2degrees was built on the hard work of Māori and the 40 different nationalities employed in the company today,” says Ms Roach.  “By providing young Māori with opportunities to learn more about our industry – either on the job or at university – we’re helping to create tomorrow’s telecommunications workers.”

Those who win scholarships could also be offered internships at 2degrees – opportunities to gain practical work experience while studying.

Scholarship winners will assist the work of Accelerating Aotearoa’s Talent – spending time in schools as role models for younger Māori considering a future in the telecommunications industry.  For more information about Accelerating Aotearoa, go to: http://www.acceleratingaotearoa.co.nz/

Applications for the scholarships close on 31 March.

For more information, go to http://www.auckland.ac.nz/uoa/cs-new-scholarships

The Festival features Bob at Large who featured on the Late Show with David Letterman juggling 3 tennis balls while riding a tall unicycle on a treadmill!

The Festival is comprised of five sites spread throughout Auckland City the BIG little City. Sites include Viaduct Harbour sites, Vulcan Lane, Downtown Westfield, Princes Wharf, and the Seafood Festival/Halsey Street.

The night shows at Market Square have been part of the Festival since 2003 and are a great way to socialise with friends whilst enjoying good outdoor dining in a fun and comical environment.

Acts for the 2012 Festival include:

-Victor Rubilar (Sweden/Argentina)
-Reuben DotDotDot (Australia)
-Hiyro (Japan)
-Blingling Bro’s (New Zealand)
-The Wally Show (Iceland/Australia)
-Bob at Large (USA)
-Lisa Lottie (The Netherlands)
-Nickey Fynn (Thailand/USA)
-Mickey J (Australia)
-Sir R Wolley (England/New Zealand)

Vote for your favourite performer with The People’s Choice Award: http://www.aucklandbuskersfestival.co.nz/peoples-choice-award/

For more information on the amazing spectacle which is The Auckland International Buskers Festival visit www.aucklandbuskersfestival.co.nz

Age 28 was a big year for me. I changed careers, returned to uni, moved from Sydney to Wellington, fell in love, dealt with heartache … and discovered a big piece of my health puzzle. On top of those ‘outside’ changes, it was a time of inner questioning: Who am I? What do I want from my life?  Where’s my place in the world?

At the time, I thought what I was experiencing was unique. I figured nobody would understand. Sure, I had friends who were supportive, but I still felt quite alone in my experiences.

Someone mentioned to me “Saturn’s Return”. At first, I tuned out because I wasn’t interested in astrology (to be honest, it’s still not something that interests me). But there were three things she said that made me pay attention:

1. That around the age of 28, many people feel the same way (Phew! I’m not unique after all! Even though there’s a part of me that wants to be!)

2. It’s called Saturn’s Return because Saturn takes about 28 years to circle the sun, and that’s apparently why lots of people experience these feelings at this time.

3. This one’s the crux: Saturn’s Return helps you get on track with what you’re meant to be doing in life.  If you ignore these inner promptings now, they’ll come back even stronger in another 28 years (mid-life crisis time at age 56).

I didn’t want to reach my 50s and living with regrets of things I could’ve (or would’ve or should’ve) done at age 28. So I’m grateful that I had learned about this Saturn’s Return phenomenon, and decided to listen carefully to my intuition.

So, let’s fast-forward five years to now. I’m 33. After a bumpy few years, I feel steadier and on track.  I’ve been following my heart and aligning what I do with my values. Workwise, the past few years I have been a workshop facilitator at Sydney Uni, teaching Goal Setting and Conquer Procrastination classes to 600 students. I also ran a life coaching business on the side. This work was very fulfilling, although I felt that something’s not quite complete.

Out of curiosity, I went to a business seminar last October. Driving home, I asked myself “Do I want to be an entrepreneur? And, if so, how can I package up all my passions and skills? Most of all, who will benefit most from what I have to offer?” I did an intensive self-inventory. What am I truly good at? What have I successfully done in my life, with no regrets, no shame? The answer dawned on me: “Erin, you survived and thrived at age 28. That’s one thing you’ve done brilliantly in your life so far”.

And that’s how activate28 was born.

I want others to be able to say “I survived and thrived at age 28 too!” So my mission has become to create an empowering online space for people ‘in the 28 zone’. The activate28 website will eventually become a one-stop shop for 28ers throughout the world. I’ve started creating eCourses and eResources, as well as an online community, to support 28ers with time management, goal setting and self-esteem.  It’s exciting for me because these resources and courses are a blend of all my professional and personal experience, as well as the latest research into neuroscience and positive psychology.

Can you imagine a world where a critical mass of 28ers feel empowered? It’s hard to believe that 1 in every 14 people on the planet is in the 28 zone (that’s 550 million people). If activate28 can support even a tiny percentage of these 28ers, that’s thousands of people who are making a difference in their own lives. In turn, they are making an impact on the lives of their families and communities, as well as future generations. Maybe one day age 28 will be celebrated like age 21 and 30?

It’s early days at activate28 but a lot is happening. At the moment, I’m running a few types of webinars.  There’s the free Conquer Procrastination webinars held at the start of the month. And I’m launching the Daily Action Power Hour this week (very cool!). And I’m very excited to witness the first group of 90 Day Action Plan taking action on their goals … and can’t wait for the next group to start in April. I’ve also got some Get Organised Bootcamps coming up soon. Wow, it’s all happening!

I’ve had great feedback on these webinars so far. People love them because they focus on the essential life skills that you didn’t learn at school! The most popular part is the Action Power Hour which is built into each of the webinars so you actually get stuff done while online. We don’t talk about theory or give advice; there’s no psycho-babble or analysis paralysis! It’s all about taking action. You learn a skill and then put that skill into action. Pretty simple, really!

Anyway, I still pinch myself … it’s hard to believe I get a chance to share my skills and passions, and be self-employed at the same time. And it’s pretty amazing to look back and realise this was just an idea four months ago. It’s amazing what results when you put vision and action together!

activate28.com

“God is dead” was a concept famously proposed by a character in one of Neitche’s philosophical works, Thus Spoke Zarathustra. It introduced a worldview where the concept of God, (especially a Christian God) no longer held any sway over people’s moral or ethical choices. This wasn’t a new idea as it underpinned the 18th Century ‘Enlightenment’ period where the power of reason, science and intellectual debate was favoured over superstition or religion. A natural extension of this thought was ‘secularisation theory,’ the idea that as societies ‘progress’ and modernise, religion will lose authority in all aspects of civic and social life and would thus eventually die-out.

But is God really dead and is society becoming less religious? According to the 2006 census, only 34% of the New Zealand population ticked no religion, a fairly small number when one considers that the Enlightenment has had more than 200 years to abolish religion. This is especially interesting as New Zealand is seen as one of the most intentionally ‘secular’ countries in the world, it is also seen as a developed and well educated country, where secularisation should be at its height. Religion still
even has a part to play in politics, with a prayer being said in our parliament every sitting day, and religious groups constantly lobbying and consulting with government on a range of issues.

It is clear that issues of faith and belief are still alive and well in New Zealand, the question remains about what this looks like on the ground. In regards to Christianity, there is an overall negative trend of religious affiliation with ‘mainstream’ denominations such as Anglicans, Presbyterians and Methodists all in decline. However there is remarkable growth in ‘newer’ churches such as affiliation with Evangelical, Born Again and Fundamentalist religions increasing by 25.6%, and affiliation with
Pentecostal religions increased by 17.8% between 2001 and 2006. This is especially noticeable on our tertiary campuses where practically all student Christian groups are Evangelical, Born Again, Fundamentalist or Pentecostal.

Is this problematic? In short, yes it is. All of these four Christian groups are often stereotyped (usually for good reason) as being conservative, homophobic, sexist and/ or “bible-bashing”. They have a wealth of resources and staff and are very strategic in the way they promote their activities and how they recruit their members. Unfortunately most students see their activities, are rightly disconcerted by the way they operate, and assume that all Christianity is ‘like-that.’

Fortunately, they are wrong. There is a middle ground between conservative Christianity and New Atheism. The Student Christian Movement (SCM) Aotearoa has been encouraging students to think for themselves about faith since 1896. SCM doesn’t impose doctrine put rather provides a non-judgmental environment for all students to think about the ‘big questions.’ We are student-led, so don’t have a hierarchical structure and we have a strong focus on social-justice, with the aim of creating positive change in our communities. We are also the only GLBT-affirming student Christian group in New Zealand.

We are currently in a rebuilding phase and would love you to join with us.

For more information see our website: www.scm.org.nz or email the National Secretary:
natsec@scm.org.nz

One month ago, on December 14th, after 3 days of torrential rain, our beautiful small community of Golden Bay was overwhelmed by flood and the home I shared with my soul friend and co-evolutionary, Maggie, was damaged beyond repair by a landslide.

It had been a good day. I was excited about being very close to launching the next phase of A Whole New World. After supper Maggie was standing at the kitchen window washing dishes when she called out, “The ground is moving” and sure enough the steep bank directly behind the house was slipping and creeping fast across the lawn, bringing with it trees, bushes and rubble. I grabbed my computer, stuffed a few things into a bag and within minutes we were outside seeking refuge in our cars. It was the kind of rain that drenched to the skin in minutes even through raincoats, and Maggie who has a heart condition was struggling to draw breath. The only thing to do was to be in a state of calm alert presence, right here, right now, taking the next step.

Our next door neighbors invited us in. Their driveway was thigh deep in water so we had to clamber across a high fence. There we found two others who had just fled their beachside cottage through water up to their chins. Everybody was amazingly cheerful. We were making up beds for the night and getting cups of tea when we realized we had to leave there too. The same steep bank backed their property and some big trees were swaying dangerously at the top of the hill. We drove down to the village hall through streets which were now rivers, covered in mud and boulders, strewn with potholes and trenches. From the hall we were then billeted to the campsite for the night. This worried me as the camp is right behind the beach and it was high tide that night but everyone assured me we would be safe.

The torrential rain continued unabated all night. They called it “weather bombs”. To be at the mercy of such an uncompromising, unstoppable force of nature renders one intensely vulnerable and humble.   At 2am I was shouted out into the torrent to move my car. The water in the campsite was now knee high. I couldn’t hear what was being shouted at me above the din and visibility was negligible. I had to turn my car into the flood to get out. That was a terrifying moment. Back in the relative safety of my bed for the night, I surrendered to whatever might come, including the possibility we might lose all our possessions or even our lives.

The morning after the flood we awoke. The rain was still falling but more lightly now. The campsite and streets were a sea of mud. Our neighbor had already been out on a reconnaissance mission and reported that our house was still standing but probably uninhabitable. A sixty meter wide landslip had completely obliterated their garden and their house would probably also be uninhabitable. I felt keenly for them in that moment. Only a week before I had stayed in their house looking after their dog; Maggie and I had marveled at the exquisite beauty of their house and garden, both of which were works of art, lovingly crafted over a decade. Here was the sand mandala of the Buddhists, symbol of impermanence and non attachment, the work of art once completed is destroyed and offered up, and the work begins again anew.

Over the next days we heard similar stories: some friends lost their veggie garden which kept them in food all year, others lost their house, a whole street was filled with mud, an elderly man was swept right out of his front room. But miraculously there was no loss of life. The damage was caused by landslip when the earth reached saturation point and could absorb no more water, and by log jamming from unsustainable forestry practices, so the losses were random. In our street and surrounding area only two houses were damaged beyond repair: ours and our neighbors.

On that first morning and thereafter, Maggie and I were certainly shaken but we felt so glad to be alive. Right from that first moment when the land slid, we had both known this was a transformational opportunity, an opening for radical change and possibility, which we had both been waiting for. Maybe it is just the human need for meaning which leads me to believe that I was there, and Maggie and I were in this together, for a reason.

Certainly, in the aftermath it was those who could see no meaning in it and therefore felt victims of the flood, who suffered the most. I discovered that as long as I kept surrendering to what was happening in each moment and didn’t try to resist it, even though the circumstances were frequently demanding and stressful, I was mostly able to maintain a positive state of mind. Whenever I attempted to resist suffering quickly followed.

This may sound very simplistic but think about it. How often do you complain or feel resentful about your life? Even when it comes to something as basic as the weather we all continually complain: it’s too hot, too cold, too wet, too dry. That’s resistance to what is. Moaning and complaining about the weather doesn’t change anything, taking action does: putting on a warm sweater or a raincoat or going for a cool dip in the heat changes circumstances and experience.

Of course we all feel grief when we suffer a loss and crisis is the harbinger of loss. Feeling and expressing grief in all its stages, and letting it go, is vitally important. I am talking about something else here. We humans seem to be conditioned to complain and suffer passively without taking the action that will bring about change. We can get stuck in the rut of our familiar discomfort and become disempowered.

Surrendering to what is doesn’t mean being passive, it means accepting the reality we’re faced with, conserving energy that would be dissipated in complaining, using that energy to make a conscious positive choice and taking inspired action to mobilize the resources we’ve got and create something new.

The first step in transforming our reality is to see every situation, however inconvenient, uncomfortable or not to our liking, as an opportunity for positive change and to make a choice to do everything in our power to uplift our situation and those around us. In each and every situation we can choose to be an evolutionary catalyst: through putting out good vibes or inspiration, making someone smile, challenging abusive behavior or dysfunctional ways, or going to help shovel mud from our neighbour’s driveway or garden. We can each make a positive difference in so many ways and it’s a moment to moment conscious choice.

I’ll share more of our story next time and how we learned to find the gifts within crisis. For now, I wonder how this strikes a chord in you? Maybe you have been in a natural disaster yourself, or suffered other unexpected loss and upheaval? This is my particular story but it is not just my story, for we are a species in transition. Our old world is crumbling through natural disasters, economic crisis and political upheaval. Perhaps parts of your life are melting just as is happening in the world at large? Maybe you can relate to the need to surrender and you’ve learned that surrender does not mean being powerless or passive. Like the snake shedding its skin or the butterfly emerging, the process of transformation and renewal renders us vulnerable. And being vulnerable is a good thing. Crisis, loss and sudden unexpected
change rip open the veils of illusion with which we normally shroud ourselves, allowing us to see more deeply and clearly and sense into the soulful interconnectedness of life and the mysterious intelligent, energetic web which holds and directs us.

Very soon, on February 11th I’m starting a new series of interviews with people who are bringing about positive change and creating new ways of living in their local communities and beyond. We’ll be exploring new economic systems, sustainable ways of living together and the nuts and bolts of creating a resilient new culture. I’ll also be delving more deeply into the creative and interpersonal skills we need to create resilient community and how we can mine the gold from the heart of crisis, whether that is a personal or a global healing crisis.

We can stay empowered and support each other through this exciting and perilous passage of transition. As we create a whole new world we become the whole new human and as we become the whole new human we create a whole new world together. Please join me on this journey of discovery.

To stay in touch and informed go to the home page at www.awholenewworld.net and sign up for our newsletter now.

Each one of us makes a difference and together we can do what seems impossible.

We know that you need the community and people that believe in what you are doing. So we have started our new adventure that will lead us to making our dream come true of having a fully sustainable restaurant (imagine solar panels, zero waste, vertical gardens, local and foraged foods, etc) so we started Roots.

We make everything from scratch: ice cream, yogurt, preserves, bread, vinegars, vegetable chips, etc. Local food parties are what we have been offering in our community, anywhere from 3 to 10 course meals. Alongside cooking at other’s houses we have been doing supper clubs where people are on a mailing list and we send out a date and what is on offer and they book in to have a meal shared with others which whom maybe they have never met.

These meals showcase all of the local, fresh produce that exists from our region and the creativity of Giulio, the chef with over 12 years experience who lives and breathes his passion for cooking.

Our concept of food…this should be a book, however, here are some of Giulio’s words from his blog about our project:

“These are very exciting times for us, we have decided to start our own food service focused on everyone who wants to taste honest local food.  Lyttelton is surrounded by food, and in our own experience in the last year we have been eating leaves, herbs, nuts, fruits and flowers that we forage during daily walks. We are so lucky to have the Farmer’s Market every Saturday, and now in summer we can find something new every weekend. Lyttel Piko is my favorite shop, you can find almost everything there and it is the starting point of my whole food based pantry.

The philosophy is local – organic – biodynamic – animal welfare supporting the local producers and suppliers. It is our dream to create a sustainable food service that supports the community and the community does the same in return. When I think in food I think about sharing, in the end that’s the whole purpose of my craft, but it is not only food, it is food made with respect and love, it is nourishment for our body that is why it has to be healthy and nutritious.
Our food is an invitation to the senses, to experience new flavors or a different culture or a completely new food experience, who said that it is not right to start eating sweets before savory??  Everyone is welcome. Peace”

Giulio’s Blog
Honest Cooking – a blog Giulio contributes to

Young New Zealanders Join With UNICEF NZ

-UNICEF NZ Youth Ambassadors 2012 -

After searching the length and breadth of the country for young, passionate New Zealanders who want to make a difference in the world, UNICEF NZ (UN Children’s Fund) has chosen six students to become its 2012 Youth Ambassadors. They are:

• ·         Akane Sandom, 18, Wellington
• ·         Darren Zhang, 18, Auckland
• ·         Ben Dowdle, 17, Auckland
• ·         Sharndre Kushor, 17, Auckland
• ·         Rachael Hodge, 17, Christchurch
• ·         Nasif Azam, 17, Christchurch

The new UNICEF NZ Youth Ambassadors were chosen from an in-depth process of written applications and interviews. The successful six began their new role with a workshop weekend at the charity’s offices in Wellington which took place from January 21–23.

The practical training weekend was an opportunity for the new Ambassadors to get to know each other, learn more about the mission and values of UNICEF New Zealand, share ideas about how to make a difference, and gain the skills needed to take action.

The Youth Ambassadors will work with the charity to create a program of activities on the issues they care about most, such as climate change or HIV and AIDS in developing countries. The teens will aim to raise awareness in their own communities and around the country through activities such as running events, writing blogs, giving interviews or creating video content.

Pip Bennett, Advocacy Officer at UNICEF NZ, said “It’s so important that young New Zealanders have their say on issues that affect them at home and around the world, so we’re very excited about having our new Youth Ambassadors on board.

“We were hugely impressed at the quality of applications we received this year and can’t wait to see what our new Ambassadors do over the next 12 months to inspire and engage others with the issues that matter to them.”

UNICEF NZ started its Youth Ambassador program in 2010 to coincide with the International Year of Youth. Ambassadors were involved with a range of activity including attending the UNICEF NZ Youth Congress in Auckland and the 3Youth project with 3News which aims to give young people a voice in the media.

www.unicef.org.nz

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Reigning Australian sprint cycling champion and type one diabetic Fabio Calabria takes on Auckland diabetic Jack Hailstone in a cycle challenge at the Team Type One Sanofi diabetes outreach event in Auckland.

Diabetics get on their bikes

Team Type 1 cyclists to compete in New Zealand

Young New Zealanders living with diabetes will join leading professional cyclists, Team Type 1 Sanofi, in fun Cycle Challenges in Auckland, Wellington and Palmerston North in January. They aim to show that having diabetes need not stop you from reaching your personal goals in life.

Team Type 1 Sanofi may be unique in that six of its 21 riders have Type 1 diabetes. The international team is coming to New Zealand for the first time to compete in the New Zealand Cycle Classic Men’s Road Cycling Tour in Manawatu from January 25-29, 2012.

The team members for the New Zealand Cycle Classic are:

Rubens Bertogliati (Switzerland), Fabio Calabria (Australia), Aldo Ino Ilesic (Slovenia), Kiel Reijnen (United States) and Joey Rosskopf (United States).

Fabio Calabria, who is the reigning Australian sprint cycling champion, has Type 1 diabetes.  Rubens Bertogliati is a previous stage winner in the Tour de France, Kiel Reijnen won the demanding Tour of Rwanda in November and Joey Rosskopf was second.

“The race organisers are very excited that we have been able to bring this top level team to New Zealand to take part in the Tour,” says Sanofi New Zealand General Manager, Alan Carter.

“Team Type 1 Sanofi is the first UCI Professional Continental team to compete in the Tour in its 24-year history and it’s also a great opportunity to raise awareness of diabetes in New Zealand,” he said.

Diabetes is a major and growing health issue for New Zealand. Of high income countries, this country has the fourth highest rate of diabetes. Over 200,000 New Zealanders have diabetes, and every day 40 more people are diagnosed. By 2021, it’s estimated it could cost the country over a billion dollars each year.

While Type 1 diabetes is unavoidable, the most common form of diabetes in New Zealand, Type 2 diabetes, can mostly be prevented by staying active and choosing healthier foods.

Mr Carter says Sanofi’s diabetes team is working with Diabetes New Zealand and Tour organisers to create a programme of community outreach activities with the team while they are in New Zealand.

“We’re holding special diabetes outreach events in Auckland (January 23), Palmerston North

(January 23) and Wellington (January 30).”

Mr Carter says the company has already had diabetes specialists in both Auckland and Wellington offering to support the community events.

“This is a great opportunity to show people with diabetes, especially recently-diagnosed young people, that they can control this disease and achieve their goals.”
About Team Type 1 Sanofi
Team Type 1 Sanofi is the brainchild of Phil Southerland and Joe Eldridge who met in a
university cycle race in the United States in 2003 and discovered they both had diabetes. In
2005, they set up what has now become a global sports organisation with the aim of proving
that people can take control of their diabetes and achieve their dreams.

Today, the team changes the lives of people with diabetes around the world through racing,
ground-breaking research, international outreach and philanthropic initiatives in developing
countries like Rwanda.

The team competes in many high profile events worldwide from the Race Across America,
which it won in 2010, to the major tours of professional cycling. www.teamtype1.org

Shapeshifter tops off a killer line up including Katchafire, 1814, Kidz in Space, Bulletproof featuring Jessie G and Rugged Tekniques, Unknown Peace along with the world winning Prestige Dance Crew.

Shapeshifter has built a massive national and international fan base with their ground breaking live shows and unique blend of heavy soul/drum and bass. Their reputation as pioneers of modern electronic music with a unique kiwi sound has earnt them acclaim as one of NZ’s biggest bands. Auckland fans will be excited to see them back for one of their last shows of the summer.

Lipton Ice Tea Sounds in the Sun has had a plethora of NZ talent grace its stage with the likes of Kora, Hollie Smith, Katchafire, Ladi 6, The Black Seeds, Mt Eden Dubstep, Tahuna Breaks, P-Money, Ivy Lies, J Williams, Dane Rumble and that’s just to name a few, 2012 will be no exception.

‘Sounds in the Sun is one of the great highlights of 2012′s Orientation Week, and with new and returning students traditionally in high spirits at this time of year, I encourage everyone to come along and enjoy the day. This event has proved itself an annual crowd-pleaser, with a vibrant mix of great performers, food and refreshments, market stalls for people to wander through, and of course the fantastic atmosphere” says Unitec CEO Rick Ede

It will be a day of not only great kiwi music but patrons can expect interactive zones, food vendors, licensed areas, market stalls and free Lipton Ice Tea.

Capacity will be limited to 10,000 this year so get your ticket before it sells out. General Admission tickets only $20 from dashtickets.co.nz.

The festival is also proud to be partnering with the Ministry of Social Development, to promote a positive anti-violence message alongside the “It’s Not O.K. Campaign”.

Thanks to our 2012 sponsors Lipton Ice Tea, The Edge, Juice TV, Speight’s Summit, Mai FM, George FM, Snap Star Live, VnC Cocktails, Rip It Up Magazine, Dash Tickets and York Street recording studios.

For more information visit dashtickets.co.nz or soundsinthesun.co.nz

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By Paul Smetana

We need it for our Socio-Economics, our health,wealth, and self esteem. It’s vitally important for our relationships, social, business, work, and career. In the area of creativity, competition, and Intelligence IQ, it’s almost the single factor that increases mental and cognitive power.

We need it to fight disease, illness. It’s huge in healing. Our immune system powers on feeling good. Our capacity to study, and do well Academically depends upon it.

Our sense of community and belonging, so important to ward off Alzheimer’s Disease, is bound up in that we feel good.

Spiritual and Religious efforts are helped. Business plans and their application are improved. The ability to tolerate and rise above the storms of life are heightened by feeling good….

Feeling good isn’t just a treat then, it’s not even just a nice thing, it’s the cornerstone of a successful Life.

About the Author: Paul Smetana writes about the Simple Secrets of Being Touched by Life, and how you can be Happier than you ever thought possible. In Aged Care for 30 years, he has discovered what our most Successful Elders knew about “A Life worth Living”.  One Brimming with vitality and Joy. There are Articles galore in
www.betouchedbylife.com, plus some simple Lessons in Being Touched by Life, often in downloadable form. Enjoy!