Personal Change - Through Sahaja Yoga Meditation

February 16, 2007 Volume 2, Issue 4

The Magazine for Personal & Global Change Take an action; change the world. Welcome to Action Change Vol. 2, Issue 4!

Change does not change tradition. It strengthens it. Change is a challenge and an opportunity; not a threat. - Prince Phillip of England

Two new contributors share their stories with us this issue. There are so many people and organisations working on positive global change now, it’s amazing! I’m always receiving emails and newsletters from people all over the world doing similar things, and I love that I can then share all these great ideas with AC readers! Take care, and have a wonderful and proactive fortnight. Christine Butler Editor, Action Change Magazine ••••••

Contents: ! ! ! ! ! ! ! !

Welcome and Reader Emails (pg 1) Social Change: A Letter from the Field (pg 2) The Good News Global Round up (pg 3) Personal Change: Sahaja Yoga Meditation (pg 4) World Wide Five-Minute Actions (pg 5) A Novel Approach to Saving Money: Alliance for New Humanity (pg 6) Book Review - Einstein’s Business (pg 7) The Back Page: Events & Info (pg 8)

Reader Emails Two roads diverged in a wood, and I - I took the one less traveled by, and that has made all the difference. Robert Frost (1875-1963) American Poet

Have you a comment, suggestion or opinion about the mag? Send it in to [email protected] Factual and inspiring, as usual. Thanks for the brain food reminder Laters, love and sweet peace, Fitz X (Lisa Fitzgibbon. Oxford England) **************************************

You are great - so productive! Grameen Bank is a positive development story and given he recently was awarded the Nobel... Also the President of Liberia - (Only current woman president in the world) and has done some excellent policy and law making outlawing rape - (unlike most world leaders in the "developing" world) And Chris Gardener (maybe too late) - the guy on whom the "Pursuit of Happyness" movie is based is an interesting character and story - and retains his humility! Anyway - just came to mind.. Deborah (Deborah Boswell, Sydney)

- Page 2 of 8

Action Change Magazine -

SOCIAL CHANGE: A LETTER FROM THE FIELD In the first of our series of reader letters from the field, Sydney Resident Lawrie Nethery talks about his life in Cambodia, building charity houses for the Tabitha Foundation. Each Christmas for the past few years, I pack small bag and head into the poor rural areas of Cambodia about six hours from Phnom Penh for two weeks to help build houses for the Tabitha Foundation. Tabitha is a non-denominational charity providing poorer communities with some of the basic building blocks of a sustainable life – shelter, fresh water and food. Tabitha provide a simple savings and credit system, similar to micro financing, whereby for every dollar a poor Cambodian family can save (and that may mean going without rice for a meal or two) Tabitha matches their dollar and pays them 10% interest. They take a few years to save towards the cost of a new house (about $US 1,200) or a new well or some livestock or seed. The system has been specifically designed to encourage their own savings regime and in turn gives them ownership of their homes. It’s not just a charity handout and gives them dignity and achievement as an added benefit to the house itself. Tabitha was set up by a fantastic Canadian lady named Janne Ritskes, who after working in various charities and NGO’s, realized that Cambodia was her special place. In traditional charity work it can be all about ‘handouts’. Janne wanted to help people help themselves and thus give them grace and dignity – not take it away. She’s an amazing person. Last year we built 13 houses

in under three days.

This year, I’ve been involved on two trips in January and we built another 20 houses. Eight of these were for a small Moslem Community: quite unusual for Buddhist dominated (90%) Cambodia. We always work with the local Khmer people and often have a game with the kids when we finish in a village. If there’s any money left in ‘the kitty’ we then buy a few pigs to help the families get started on their own. Part of the Tabitha philosophy is to show the locals that they aren’t forgotten, but also to show them that they can do it for themselves. That’s the key: you put their future in their hands so they aren’t reliant. It’s rewarding for everyone involved but the important thing to remember is that it’s all about them. When you consider that Pol Pot slaughtered over 3 million Cambodians only a few years ago these people really need to see and feel hope from the western world. In our own small way this is what Tabitha gives them: hope and dignity Any donations go directly into the “House Building Fund” or you can choose to make a specific purchase of some pigs or a well etc. Tabitha run a tight ship with extremely low overheads so that every possible dollar goes where its best needed. Tabitha Donations: www.tabithafoundationaustralia.com

- Page 3 of 8

Action Change Magazine -

The Good News Global Round Up AUSTRALIA: CHINESE RESTAURANT COMMUNITY SAVING WATER Sydney’s Chinese community are cutting their water use in conjunction with Sydney Water by installing new water-free wok stoves in their restaurants. The stove controls the amount of water that is poured over the woks while they are still hot so there’s no need to constantly wash and cool each wok with running tap water in between each dish. Sydney Water believes this will cut water use by half, saving 8000 litres/day. (Story from The Weekend Australian Feb. 3-4, 2007) UK: MINISTRY FOR PEACE ESTABLISHES ALL-PARTY GROUP “We're sure you'll be delighted to learn that after many months of quiet effort, ministry for peace has secured enough support in the UK Parliament to set up an official All-Party Parliamentary Group on Conflict Issues. The purpose of the group, as formally stated in the Parliamentary Register, is 'To encourage dialogue, on the basis of expert information and opinion from across the political spectrum, on issues relating to conflict; especially on the practical means to prevent, transform and resolve violent conflict.’” (From Global Alliance for Ministries and Departments of Peace) www.peoplesinitiativefordepartmentsofpeace.org CANADA: CONTRIBUTES $1.5 MIL TO PEACE PROCESS IN UGANDA “The Honourable Peter MacKay, Minister of Foreign Affairs and Minister of the Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency, today announced that Canada will contribute $1.5 million to support the northern Uganda peace process between the Government of Uganda and the Lord's Resistance Army being held in Juba, South Sudan. With this contribution, Canada will become the largest bilateral supporter of these critical peace talks. (From Global Alliance for Ministries and Departments of Peace) AUSTRALIA: LIFESAVING COSTUME FOR MUSLIMS LAUNCHED The burqini, the world’s first lifesaving costume for Muslims, was unveiled at Cronulla beach on the 4th of February. The red and yellow uniform of surf lifesavers was designed as a collaborative effort between Australia’s first Muslim lifesavers and the Surf Life saving Association of Australia (SLSA). (From Wentworth Courier 7/2/07) AUSTRALIA: SYDNEY STRIVES TO BE FIRST CARBON NEUTRAL CITY “ The city is striving to be Australia’s first carbon neutral Council by achieving a 100 per cent reduction in greenhouse gas emissions. Tenders are being sought to offset Council greenhouse gas emissions through cost effective energy reduction measures, the use of renewable energy and other offset mechanisms. In 2005/06, Council purchased 10 per cent green power and has committed to purchase 20 percent in 2006/07.” (From Sydney City News February ’07) TAMIL NADU: WORKING TOWARDS A SUSTAINABLE FUTURE FOR VILLAGES The organisation Action for Rural Rejuvenation (ARR) has been working in India’s poor rural areas bringing life and hope back to village life. The group’s creator, Sadhguru Jaggi Vasudev, has introduced games such as volleyball, which has “brought housewives out of their homes and broken down the cultural barriers of caste”, while inter village tournaments have linked communities together. The group is also supporting actions such as health care and sanitation, yoga, free medicines and building community gardens. It is hoped that in this heavily populated area that has also been plagued with disease, that this integrated mind/body/spirit program will bring back a sense of pride for the people and their communities. (From Global Village News, www.gvnr.com/119/3.htm)

- Page 4 of 8

Action Change Magazine -

PERSONAL CHANGE: SAHAJA YOGA MEDITATION All around the globe, somewhere near you in fact, people are gathering each week to learn and practice Sahaja yoga meditation. One of the great things about this meditation, is that it’s offered completely free of charge. Lyn from the The Sahaja Yoga Collective of Australia gives us a run down of the meditation practice, and how the free meditations work. Interested in learning how to meditate?

"Man in his search for joy and happiness is running away from the Self, which is the real source of joy… now a method has been found to tap the Divine power." Shri Mataji Nirmala Devi

We can all do with less stress in our lives. Sahaja Yoga meditation is very easy to learn and is offered free of charge. You’re welcome to join us to experience the peace it can offer. What is Meditation? Meditation is best understood as a state of 'mental silence' in which one is fully alert and aware but free of the unnecessary thoughts or worries that lead to many of life's daily stresses. This state of silence occurs spontaneously when one learns how to focus on the experience of the present moment, leading to a state of peace and calm. Through a simple process, known as Self-Realisation (kundalini awakening) this meditation state can be quickly established, maintained and, most importantly, enjoyed! About Sahaja Yoga Meditation: Sahaja Yoga is a method of meditation which brings a breakthrough in showing how to achieve ‘thoughtless awareness’. It was founded by Shri Mataji Nirmala Devi in 1970 and has now spread worldwide. As the potential to find peace inside and experience the true Self is innate in every human being, it cannot become the commodity of any business and cannot be paid for. Shri Mataji states "We cannot pay for our spiritual evolution." Sahaja Yoga classes are free. Nobel Peace Prize nomination: When Shri Mataji was nominated for the Nobel Peace Prize, Claes Nobel, Chairman of the United Earth Organisation, declared: "Shri Mataji's discovery brings genuine hope to humanity." How can it be free? People who have experienced its benefit show others how to meditate. It’s that simple. Whether in the public, community and business sectors, Sahaja Yoga meditation is available without cost to the general public and to many schools, universities, hospitals, community centres, immigration detention centres and major corporations. Our weekly meetings show you how to experience true meditation. You will also learn how to meditate at home and how to keep in balance. The techniques are easy to learn and practice. Beginners and experienced meditators are welcome. You can join in at any time – just come along. No prior knowledge is necessary, everything is explained. What to expect: There are practical sessions, video talks by Shri Mataji, and guided collective meditations to enjoy, in a relaxed atmosphere. It's meditation based, not 'exercise' yoga. No postures or special clothing are required and chairs are provided. If you are interested in learning how to enjoy the peace of meditation, come along. Sahaja Yoga weekly meetings are offered free of charge, throughout Australia and the world. Details: of free weekly meetings: www.freemeditation.com/meetings

- Page 5 of 8

Action Change Magazine -

World Wide Five - Minute Actions! Wanna save the world but don’t have much time? Click on one of these actions and make a difference in just a few minutes. Think how good you’ll feel! JOIN GET UP AND MAKE A QUICK AND EASY DIFFERENCE! “The federal election is coming and campaigns are already in full swing. With more than 160,000 of us, we have the power to influence party rooms and press galleries and fight for the issues we care about. GetUp staff are off to Canberra as Parliament reconvenes. And if we all take a minute now to email our friends about GetUp, we will grow to 200,000-strong in time for key, agenda-setting meetings with politicians from all parties. So the most significant action you can take today isn't signing a petition or writing your MP - it's inviting a friend, colleague or Australian living overseas to join GetUp. The person who invites the most friends to join GetUp will win the chance to visit Canberra with GetUp this year, to work the halls of Parliament House - all expenses paid. And if that's not to your liking, we have a pack of great film tickets to give away. Email your details and the number of people you've told about GetUp to [email protected].” (From Get Up) Their new system makes it easier than ever - just click on the link below. www.getup.org.au/campaign/TwoHundredThousandin2007 AUSTRALIAN NATIONAL ‘SUNNIES FOR SIGHT DAY’ On Friday 23 February 2007, ICEE (International Centre for Eyecare Education) will conduct “National Sunnies for Sight Day”. All schools, clubs and workplaces across Australia are invited to participate. The money raised from this day will be used to support ICEE's blindness prevention projects in countries in great need of eyecare eg: Sri Lanka, East Timor, Malawi and Indigenous Australia. The 2007 campaign has introduced a new funky look as well as some extremely fun merchandise items including: kaleidoscopes, pens, microfibre wipes and emery boards. Schools and preschools are encouraged to register online and make a donation. In return students, teachers and children can wear their sunnies for the day or design their own fun pair of glasses. Workplaces and clubs order your merchandise kit today. Each kit is valued at $170 and contains 20 microfibre wipes, 15 pens, 10 emery boards and 5 kaleidoscopes. Kits are available on consignment or pre-pay. If you pre-pay for one of the sunnies merchandise kits you are eligible to go into the draw to win a holiday for two people to Fraser Island. Go to www.sunniesforsight.org for more info, to buy merchandise, and to register. (From the ICEE) DEMONSTRATE FOR CLIMATE CONTROL Go to www.globalclimatecampaign.org for all your info on climate campaigns around the globe, to coincide with Global Climate Days of Action. This site is a central point for all activities on climate control, so if you’re into demonstrating, this is the site for you. From here you can also help build support in your own country for the big protests in December that will dovetail the United Nations Climate Talks in Bali.

- Page 6 of 8

Action Change Magazine Joke Time: A Novel Approach to Saving Money

Three engineers and three accountants are traveling by train to a conference. At the station, the three accountants each buy tickets and watch as the three engineers buy only a single ticket. "How are three people going to travel on only one ticket?" asks an accountant. "Watch and you'll see," answers an engineer. They all board the train. The accountants take their respective seats but all three engineers cram into a restroom and close the door behind them. Shortly after the train has departed, the conductor comes around collecting tickets. He knocks on the restroom door and says, "Ticket, please." The door opens just a crack and a single arm emerges with a ticket in hand. The conductor takes it and moves on. The accountants saw this and agreed it was quite a clever idea. So after the conference, the accountants decide to copy the engineers on the return trip and save some money (being clever with money, and all that). When they get to the station, they buy a single ticket for the return trip. To their astonishment, the engineers don't buy a ticket at all. "How are you going to travel without a ticket?" says one perplexed accountant. "Watch and you'll see," answers an engineer. When they board the train the three accountants cram into a restroom and the three engineers cram into another one nearby. The train departs. Shortly afterward, one of the engineers leaves his restroom and walks over to the restroom where the accountants are hiding. He knocks on the door and says, Ticket, please." Author Unknown (from [email protected] newsletter) A Worthy Cause: Alliance for New Humanity Deepak Chopra is founding member of the Alliance for New Humanity, an international social organisation based on the premise that as everything is connected, our well-being is the well-being of everyone. Singer Ricky Martin is also a founding member, and the organisation has a board of directors, as well as patrons and advisors. Their Mission: To connect people who, through personal and social transformation, are committed to creating a just, peaceful, and sustainable world, reflecting the unity of humanity. ‘News for a New Humanity’ is their newsletter and you can subscribe to it free from the site. www.anhglobal.org “Deepak Chopra has committed to reach the first million people so that we can take that evolutionary leap. Let us harness our resources and be part of that first million to reach the critical mass - and we too then can re-write the story for a new humanity. Let Creativity and Caring be our mantra.”

- Page 7 of 8

Action Change Magazine -

Book review from the Institute of Noetic Sciences Einstein's Business: Engaging Soul, Imagination, and Excellence in the Workplace, edited by Dawson Ph.D. Church Released January 2007 Business today is at the forefront of social change and personal transformation. While past generations saw organizations consuming people and the environment in their soulless quest for ever-increasing profit and growth, a new generation of business leaders has a fresh new vision. Today's companies, schools, and nonprofits are run differently, think differently, and engage human creativity at a whole new level. Einstein's Business is a primer for twenty-first century leadership. Fifty of the most innovative and brilliant authorities of our time show that business leaders can be activists, improving society and the environment without sacrificing income or growth. The old divides between profit and principles—and between individual good and the good of the organization—are seen for the fallacies they are, as organizations that ignite the creativity of teams and individuals thrive and prosper to a degree that the hidebound company of yesterday could not have imagined. And when well-led, empowered people get together, an engaged community emerges, leading to breakthrough thinking and new innovations that hold the promise of a better society and a healthier world. In bite-sized chunks of five to ten pages, the chapters of this anthology give you the information, the examples, and—best of all—the inspiration to lead meaningful change in your organization. Einstein's Business guides you into reimagining your workplace as the place of your dreams—then gives you the tools to get there. "Imagination is more important than knowledge." —Albert Einstein http://www.einsteinsbusiness.com/ more info and view all contributors www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/ISBN=1600700152/instituteofnoeti/ to buy the book

I think one of our biggest challenges is to look at our way of thinking, and see if there might be a way to serve ourselves even more powerfully by ending the myth that there is somewhere to get to–that there is something else that needs to be done, that there is all this brokenness that needs to be fixed, that there is something–I think part of our healing has to come from just standing and being still and claiming a healed world, claiming a healed humanity, claiming a healed self. - Julia Butterfly Hill, environmental activist (From the Institute of Noetic Sciences February newsletter www.noetic.org)

Don't just question authority, Don't forget to question me. - Jello Biafra

- Page 8 of 8

ACTION CHANGE MAGAZINE The Magazine for Personal and Global Change

For all correspondence, subscriptions and contributions write to: E-Mail: [email protected]

We’re on the Web! See us at: www.ActionChange.com

IDEAS BLOG ActionChange.Blogspot.com

Unless stated, all copy is ©2007 Christine Butler. You’re welcome to use any of my material if the source is recognised. I’d also appreciate an email notifying me of where it has been reprinted.

Action Change Magazine -

The Back Page WORLD EVENTS: 16th to 2nd March

2007 YEAR OF THE PIG:

Australian Organ Donor Awareness Week 18-24th February 2007 www.medicareaustralia.gov.au/yourhealth/o ur_services/aodr/awareness_week.shtml Chinese/Tibetan New Year: The Chinese year 4705 Throughout February 2007 http://www.123chinesenewyear.com/boar .html National Pancake Day (Shrove Tuesday) 20 February 2007 www.pancakeday.com.au/ International Mother Language Day 21 February 2006 www.un.org/Depts/dhl/language/ National 'Sunnies' for Sight Day 23 February 2007 See World Wide Actions for Info Business Clean Up Day 27 February 2007 www.cleanup.com.au/au/GetInvolved/busin ess-clean-up-day.html

1935 1947 1959 1971 1983 1995 2007 The pigs are the nicest and most deferential of all. And this makes others to think that pigs are obstinate and stuck-up. But as a matter of fact, Pigs are very benevolent. The go out of their way to make their family and friends pleased. But many a times this very trait of theirs works against them. They so much get involved in their own world that they stop socializing. This also hampers their future so much so that they become myopic of the opportunities that can make their life better. Besides, Pigs are born intellectuals and have great fire for wisdom. They are also passionate lovers of luxury. When it comes to luxury their sole motto is the more…. the better. (From http://www.123chinesenewyear.co m/boar.html)

DISCLAIMER:

The mission of Action Change is to present a wide range of ideas, techniques and opinions for our readers to make active changes in their lives. The opinions of the writers are printed with the understanding that our readers choose to take personal responsibility for the choices they make in relation to advice given in the magazine. Readers need to consult their health care professional before embarking on any lifestyle change. While we make every effort to make sure information is correct at time of printing, facts may change as new information emerges.

About Action Change Magazine Action Change Magazine’s mission is to inspire people to take action to make positive change in their lives and on the planet, and to provide resources to help them make those changes. Submissions in a positive style are welcome on the topics of personal and global change. See the Contributor’s Guidelines and Mission Statement on the website for more information. If you know of anyone who would be interested in reading or submitting to the magazine, please forward it on. They may then subscribe via email or the website.