Attention to Joy - Thank you Nick Cave

 

Today I came across a reply to a couple of questions to Nick Cave on his blog https://www.theredhandfiles.com

The questions were: What is joy? Where is it? Where is love in this world that is such an evil mess?

Nick Cave answers in the most poignant way and I think his reply is a perfect response to the general 'state of things' in the world at large and most importantly how we deal with those things - could I write any more vaguely?

I quote a part of his reply that grabbed me the most: 

"For me, to strive toward joy has become a calling and a practise. It is carried out with the full understanding of the terms of this hallowed and harrowed world. I pursue it with an awareness that joy exists both in the worst of the world and within the best, and that joy, flighty, jumpy, startling thing that it is, often finds its true voice within its opposite. Joy sings small, bright songs in the dark — these moments, so easily disregarded, so quickly dismissed, are the radiant points of light that pierce the gloom to give validation to the world. That’s how the light gets in, Leonard Cohen tells us, casting his genius and delight forever through the cosmos."  

How do we respond to the forces that often appear to be set against us? 

How do we CHOOSE to navigate this environment of upheaval? and..

Do we have choices?

Choices are our greatest freedom. The choice to feel this or that, decided this or that: choices increase our potential for growth and for creating something different. 

In the darkness of fear and hopelessness there are few choices. Like fumbling about in a dark room, little is visible and we are gingerly feeling our way about in attempt to find something of meaning.

 

Tricks for building wellbeing

 This morning I ran a webinar and as I was rambling along I remembered a trick that helps to 'scramble' the worries, anxieties etc that we can often experience - and it involves a pencil. 

It's a short video, and, it may bring a smile to your dial. 

Internal representations

 Internal representations and building resilience, mental/emotional flexibility and more choices in life

Here is a link to the audio only version of this video. LINK :-)

A Quick Relaxation Technique

For busy minds in crazy busy times, here's a relaxation strategy designed to take care of your mind and to relax your body. The video is a demonstration of a  simple and effective technique that will gently reduce the mental 'noise' so that you can relax more easily.
Enjoy

 

 

Audio Only Link 

 

If you have any queries, want more... contact me

Hokitika Motivational Seminar

Last week I was invited to speak to a group in beautiful Hokitika, West Coast, New Zealand.

The seminar was primarily about anxiety. Anxiety is increasing and there are so many people desperately trying to navigate the uncertainty of a world gripped by a deeply psychological  and somewhat existential challenge. 

It was great fun and very well received.

Here's what attendees said - all comments were unsolicited.

- "You are a funtastic, engaging speaker that constantly keeps us enthralled throughout your presentation.  Soooo uplifting and refreshing to be told the raw truth and laugh so hard at the same time."  

- "I thoroughly enjoyed the evening. I was totally inspired and could have sat for hours listening and learning from Aaron."

- "I really enjoy being around like minded people, It's uplifting."

- "His Enthusiasm was contagious, and I liked how he included audience participation." 

- "Aaron was funny, still making me laugh now. A comedy show with meaningful suggestions."

- "What an exceptional evening So much fun."

- "SO awesome, Could listen to him for hours.  It was all new to us, his topics were so apt, and his jaunty style is easy viewing.  And of course gathering with 'family' for an evening is so empowering."

 

Anxiety Relief - again

 

Anxiety is being experienced by so many people at the moment.  

Here is a simple strategy that will help to build a little relief. Simple, effective, fast!

 

 

How deal with anxiety and uncertainty

Join Me and William Bisset Director and health Specialist at the  Brilin Health Centre Christchurch  for a short discussion about the mandates and how to cope with the uncertainty and anxiety that accompanies them.