This piece of writing really impacted me. I can't remember where I found it, but I stuck it on my fridge. It brings perspective to what is really important.

The Mayonnaise Jar and 2 Cups of Coffee

When things in your life seem almost too much to handle, when 24 hours
in a day are not enough, remember the mayonnaise jar and the 2 cups of
coffee.

A professor stood before his philosophy class and had some items in
front of him. When the class began, he wordlessly picked up a very
large and empty mayonnaise jar and proceeded to fill it with golf balls.
He then asked the students if the jar was full. They agreed that it
was.

The professor then picked up a box of pebbles and poured them into the
jar. He shook the jar lightly. The pebbles rolled into the open areas
between the golf balls. He then asked the students again if the jar was
full. They agreed it was.

The professor next picked up a box of sand and poured it into the jar.
Of course, the sand filled up everything else. He asked once more if
the jar was full. The students responded with an unanimous “yes.”

The professor then produced two cups of coffee from under the table and
poured the entire contents into the jar effectively filling the empty
space between the sand. The students laughed. “Now,” said the professor
as the laughter subsided, “I want you to recognize that this jar
represents your life. The golf balls are the important things— your
family, your children, your health, your friends, your beliefs and your
favorite passions—and if everything else was lost and only they
remained, your life would still be full. The pebbles are the other
things that matter like your job, your house and your car.

The sand is everything else–the small stuff. “If you put the sand into
the jar first,” he continued, “there is no room for the pebbles or the
golf balls. The same goes for life. If you spend all your time and
energy on the small stuff you will never have room for the things that
are important to you.

“Pay attention to the things that are critical to your happiness. Play
with your children. Take time to get medical checkups. Take your
spouse out to dinner. Play another 18. There will always be time to
clean the house and fix the disposal. Take care of the golf balls
first–the things that really matter. Set your priorities. The rest is
just sand.”

One of the students raised her hand and inquired what the coffee
represented. The professor smiled. “I'm glad you asked. It just goes
to show you that no matter how full your life may seem, there's always
room for a couple of cups of coffee with a friend.”

anybody here sponsored a child?

Has anybody visited the child they sponsor? (or do you know someone who has?)

My friend who I met on a temp job I am currently doing told me about this cool concept about sleep and how by sleeping less we can have more energy (& more hours in our day to do all the stuff we want to do!). My friend gave me a link to an eBook which has an introduction about it and having better quality sleep. We started talking about it because I felt so tired just after lunchtime at work and he told me there was a reason behind it. It would be great to find out more info about it.

www.bouncebackfast.com/sleep/2sleepchapters.pdf

Has anybody heard of this theory before? Has anybody tried it?

This week I have had lots of thoughts, especially after I met another Zaadzster from the U.S in which we have found we have heaps in common. This Zaadz friend recently returned from India also from a program and I told her that I was thinking about saving up this year to go back to India to do a volunteer program too. We were similar in that we both discovered we have personal challenges to do with energy and how we use our energy. We found that sometimes maintaining relationships is difficult because of the feeling that our energy is being spread to thinly and we are left feeling no energy for ourselves and drained. For me this got me thinking so much that I began dreaming about it and also catching myself thinking about this on the train to work in my mental chatter. It was so exciting for me that my mental chatter was about something new! It felt great to be able to learn more about myself and think over this idea of energy in relation to other people and in general and using my thoughts for fresh ideas instead of going around in circles with thoughts that I don't often realise that are on repeat inside my head. It is as though my mind is expanding!

So I had the idea to start a topic each month on the Aussie Zaadz pod so if anybody is interested we can think about new things and keep on expanding our minds! I feel like I have been wasting my thoughts going over and over same concepts and the chatter in my head (the voice you kind of forget that's there) keeps saying the same thing. So I see this as a positive way to keep our thoughts fresh.


So anyway, 'energy' for me this week has been a topic on my mind and I thought it would be really interesting to hear all of your thoughts about energy (any kind).

For me - as I talked about just before - the idea of energy is relating to my relationships and energy that you give to them and for yourself. The first thing was acknowledging that there is a giving of energy in relationships (family, extended family, close friends, friends you know you should catch up with) and for me I am often left feeling drained and as a result only have a few close friends and my relationship with some family members is not as strong as I hope for.

This feeling of being left drained of energy in myself could explain why I find it challenging to keep friends close and almost keep certain people in my life at a distance (I never acknowledged this until this week) because if I give the same energy to everybody in my life then I feel exhausted. (I also feel guilty then about not maintaining relationships well).


The second idea that followed from this, was my Zaadz friend thought it would be a great idea to start an experiment and see whether by giving our energy to our relationships, that there could be a possibility we may get energy in return if we stay with it for a bit. This is my latest challenge I have set myself.

So far (it has only been a few days) but I have also had a third idea to add to this topic (which I came up with going to sleep - maybe my subconscious mind??) that it may be about the actual person you want to have a relationship with.

One of my closest friends I have realised that many times I see her I am often putting my energy into uplifting her and listening to everything happening in her life and supporting her with her latest dramas. We are great friends but I have realised that perhaps I feel drained after seeing her as I give a lot of energy and she takes a lot of energy instead of giving it back again. So as a result even though she is one of my closest friends, I without realising it sometimes will make sure my visit to her is only a short period perhaps because I feel so drained afterwards.

Another of my closest friends is very creative and we like to make things together or talk about films, books, the latest thing we are making or going to markets together. The energy in this relationship is like a flowing circle. I give my energy and love giving my energy and she also gives energy back. I could spend days with this friend as the energy is always flowing between us. I never feel drained around her.


I have also realised today a fourth thing. That with my boyfriend that he is a big giver of energy and I have come to a very confronting realisation that I am more of a taker than giver of energy with him. When I really thought about it, this was very true. I asked him today and he said that yes he sometimes feels drained with me when I am feeling sad or upset about something (for example: my dad and our lack of relationship). I asked whether he feels he ever gets energy from me. He said yes when I am positive and my mind is not elsewhere and is in the moment with him and when I listen to him well. Today I have made a pact to my self to be more of an energy giver to my boyfriend and to be conscious to keep the flow going.

muntz xo

image source: http://images.google.com.au/imgres?imgurl=http://www.ifyoucouldknow.com/spiritual/uploaded_images/abstract-718087.jpg

Can You Help? Knitting circle for African AIDS new-borns

Hello Zaadzster friends,

About a month ago my stepdad returned from work and found me watching TV and knitting a scarf on the couch (because it was the only thing I could knit - so far) and I think everyone was a bit scarve-d out. I needed a new challenge!  It was then that he told me about a lady at his work knits tiny jumpers for AIDS affected African newborns in her lunch break. These babies would otherwise be wrapped in newspaper for warmth and sent home. I was totally inpired by this idea to help, and now my nanna, mum and aunty are all onto it too!

If you are a knitter or even just starting out, this jumper pattern is relatively easy to knit (I had to get a bit of help with how to do ribbing and how to make the arms and neckhole) but if you know someone who is a good knitter they will know how to help on the tricky bits. It's actually really fun to do and if you pass this on to friends or family who may be interested it is great to have support from each other and see the progress.

Finished knitted jumpers can then be gathered together, and can be arranged to be picked up or sent by calling this number Ken & Lyn (03) 599 65 957. Then they will be sent to Africa. This idea was created by a women's knitting group, and it shows how one idea can make a great difference.

http://www.aids.net.au/aids-global-malawi-20061104.htm



A Plea from Rotary Overseas: Can You Help?

New born AIDS affected babies born on the African continent, many of which are sent home from hospital wrapped in newspaper for warmth, need your help. In order to help these tiny babies a group of concerned women have formed a Knitting Circle.

We are asking for your help in this effort to knit small jumpers for these babies.

You can help by either knitting or donating 8 ply wool or both.

Please only use 8 ply acrylic yarn to knit the pattern provided; bright colours perfered as these garments may never be washed.


AIDS Baby Jumpers Knitting Pattern

Knitted all in one. Double knit wool is ideal (8 ply)
Size 5mm needles (tight knitters) or size 4.5mm needles (loose knitters)

Cast on 44 stitches

Work 18 rows in K2, P2 rib
Work 30 rows stocking stitch

Cast on 12 stitches at beginning of next 2 rows, at same time, change to
K2, P2 (for sleeve)
Rib 22 more rows

Next row: Rib 21 cast off 26 stitches Rib 21
Next row: Rib 21 cast on 26 stitches Rib 21

Work 22 rows in K2, P2 rib

Cast off 12 stitches at beginning of the next 2 rows

Work 30 rows stocking stitch
Work 18 Rows K2, P2 rib

Cast off

Please stick to pattern as it is proven to work. Stripes and bright colours are fine.

A big thank you from the tiny babies of Africa!

Heya zaadzster friends :)

This is my first time back on Zaadz since I left for India in December last year. It has been a bit of a whirlwind since getting back to Oz, got a bit of reverse culture shock (i had never heard of this until I got it!) trying to work out my direction, feeling very unhappy, unmotivated and frustrated, deferred from my uni course for 1 year, sorting some long time emotional issues about my dad which have only surfaced now and looking for work. I know it's not an excuse for not visiting Zaadz, talking with my Zaadz friends and maintaining the Aussie Zaadz podbut I suppose I didn't have the energy the past few months to come onto Zaadz. I apologise if anybody  feels like i've abandoned you.

On a lighter note, my trip to India in Dec '06-Feb '07 was such an amazing colourful and truly lifechanging experience (this may sound cliche but it's true). So much was packed into 5 weeks and it was so worth it going with an Intrepid group because we did stuff that I would never have discovered or had the confidence to do if I had been in India on my own. The first half of the trip we were traveling around Southern India. My bf and I landed in Kochi at 2am and it was misty and hot, lots of people waiting next to cars, the sweet pungent smell of pollution tickling my nostrils. We hopped into a white Ambassador car with an Indian driver who didn't say one word to us, but boy was it the craziest drive we had ever experienced!! First thing no seatbelts, second thing - driving on the wrong side of the road with oncoming trucks, groups of cows wandering around scavenging for food in the middle of the city, and lots and lots of toot toots, beep beeps and near misses. It felt like a hazy dream. By the time we had reached where we were staying we had relaxed slightly our white knuckles going back to normal colour.

Kochi was cool. A good intro to India because it isn't totally in your face, but is at the same time. Kerala is the most literate state in India and Kochi seemed to be a wealthier city.  The main street we were staying in seemed to have heaps of Indian men and women walking and hurrying to work and not that many beggars. It took me and charlie a whole half a day to attempt to cross the two way main road. it was that chaotic!! Plus traffic lights seem to be invisible to many Indians! Lots of Indian men on their motorbikes shirt unbuttoned, gold coloured aviator sunnies and longish hair all blowing and rippling in the breeze like Bollywood stars.

wow there's so much to tell you all. this is only the first day in India!! I will go into more depth but in short form the first week:

saw Katakali dancers in a little theatre fitting 20 people. Drummer got stranded at Fort Kochi because of the riots from Sadam Hussein's execution. (all streets closed, auto rickshaws not running).
went on boat in kerala backwaters to stay in a village, celebrated new years by going on a village walk - through rice fields, meeting local children, men playing cards, goats, calves. Ate a homecooked dinner, and lighting firecrackers by the water ways.
Went to Madurai - went to Hindu temple, was blessed by an elephant putting his/her trunk on my head. I burst out laughing because the end of it's trunk was feeling my forehead and then sighed (probably thinking not another one) and a huge gush of elephant breath streamed down my face! was very cool & funny. (i had asked our indian leader Chetan if they were treated properly, he told me these elephants are well taken care of).

Made friends with a family on overnight train, they were from Rajasthan so they had their colourful saris on. it was night time and all other carriages were asleep and we had our light on in our compartment, so they came in and sat down. They were henna tatooing their hands for a spiritual ceremony the next day. We starting talking and playing with their 3 year old son. They then asked if I wanted my hand tatooed!! they told me they wanted to see what it looked like on fair skin. It was awesome and a unique experience. The henna tatoo lasted 3 weeks after that night.

Other South India experiences: Jungle safari, 11km trek up mountainous Nilgiri Hills with a skinny local Indian guide and sharp bamboo walking sticks between us and wild leopards and wild elephants!! (extremely dangerous: note - do NOT take photo within 50m of elephants - the highpitched mechanical sound makes them go crazy, aggressive and they stampede). Lucky we didn't see any up close :)

Anyway this is the first week in VERY short notes. so much stuff happened in 5 weeks as i said. we went up north for 2 and a half weeks also. Sailed for 3 days on the holy river Ganges and camped (my fave bit) with a crew of 13 Indian men which we made friends with and danced and talked around the camp fire, visited orphanages, camped in the desert in Pushkar in one big circus looking tent, went on a camel safari, watched Bollywood films (i'm a mega fan now), played cricket with kids at a small town just out from Pushkar and ate curry for breakfast lunch and tea!

If anybody has any travel stories from India or any other country in the world and would like to share them, I would love to hear them :)

love
muntz

December 2006

I'm going travelling for the first time at the end of December 2006 and January 2007 all around India. I think it could be a massive eye opener & give me another perspective of seeing the world around me. I can't wait to see cows wandering the streets! you can tell i'm vegetarian! lol and i'm excited about a whole heap of other things too. So if I don't reply to your emails or pod posts plz know that I will reply in Feb 07 when I get back to Oz.

Today I just finished the book Shantaram, the best book I have ever read. Amazing story. A massive brick of a book though but so worth reading. Good timing that I finished it today considering I am leaving for India in just over a week (and it wouldn't be light to carry that's for sure!)

balance has returned!

I don't want to go on my life but here it is - latest stuff that's been happening:

 I finished up my 12 month marketing placement. The new website and showreel dvd (my main marketing projects ) are done (hooray!).  I decided to follow my heart and passion and am now working part time in a health/organic shop with 3 naturopaths. I realised something, that I have to listen to myself more - what my gut instinct is telling me. So I stopped and listened. I realised that I had been listening a lot to friends/family's opinions before making up my mind about things. After I made the decision on my own a huge weight had lifted. The peace i felt was amazing as I am naturally a go go go person who always thinks a great deal. As a result of the happiness, balance and being outside, my skin has fully cleared up and is glowing, my sense of humour about things has returned and I feel like me again. I am loving that i am learning at uni too - it is refreshing to use my mind in a different way.

 Aussie Zaadz pod is growing and developing well i think! I just want to say to all Aussie Zaadsters how much you guys rock. Thankyou for all of your contributions also to the Aussie Retreat Hub we have created for affordable places to stay and retreat to in oz. Your postings are thought provoking and i think we have a great bunch of people together in our pod.

love to you all

muntz

p.s. Harmony Steel - your Tree Lights Studio website is beautiful  http://www.treelightstudios.com/

 

 

Radical Self-Care pod

I have a couple.. one of my most powerful spiritual experiences that I has come to mind was sitting on the balcony at a beach house i stayed at a few months ago and in the freezing cold at sunset i sat out there facing the sun and sky and just sat there not thinking about anything in particular. I sort of just became a part of the whole landscape because I was so still - it was a cool feeling when i think back on it.  I lost track of time and when i finally wriggled my body awake it was dark! I loved it that time didn't really matter - as so much of my everyday life is based on time (like university, work, going to sleep early so I won't be tired the next morning etc). I also meditate before I go to sleep at night with a 'blue lace agate' crystal which i hold in my hands.

 muntz : )

This was my post from Radical Self Care pod. This was a great exercise. Try this too if you like.

What five specific things do you want to focus on and commit to doing in the next four weeks as part of your program of self-care?

these are my 5

1) to see the beauty in the simple things around me each day, to take time to pause and acknowledge. Today for instance walking down from the tram stop on the way to work I noticed the cloud patterns across the sky behind the city with the morning winter sun. I felt that even though I was surrounded by people scurrying to work, peak hour traffic and city that I stopped and I felt so peaceful.

2) to maintain the balance of mind body and spirit each day, allow time for me, meditate 10 minutes each day, eat a balanced diet, take my iron & zinc tablets more often (i'm vego), go to gym 3 times a week, sleep more. In the next 3 weeks (holidays before I begin uni again) I would like to do a 3 day detox and rejuvinate.

3) Live in the now, try and not feel like I have to grab onto the time passing by me. Feel the experience flow through me. I realise that sometimes there's no need to think about it. I think too much as it is!

4) Just let my creativity flow. Try to not analyse everything! the best way i have learned recently to connect with my creativity again is to let go and just let it happen. I have begun writing short stories (but haven't ended any yet - i am waiting for the ending to come to me), knit my meditation cushion cover, doodling or paint whatever comes into my imagination. I have time in the next few weeks to do more of this.

 5) Make time to spend with my dad and my little brother & sister (6 and 4). Play more with them. Make some fun crafty things together. Try and get to know my Dad a little better.