Passion-play, What lights you Up!!!

Posted on January 3, 2022 by Rod's World

We have arrived at that time of the year, The First of the First, and we play the New Year Resolution game. I changed it several years ago to the Passion game. I ask myself this group of questions:

What will you never give up on?
What activities make you lose track of time?
What fascinates you?
What’s something you would do every day if you could?
At what time in your recent past have you felt most passionate and alive?
Are you doing what you believe in, or are you settling for what you are doing?
What one thing have you not done that you really want to do? What’s holding you back?
What is something you would hate to go without for a day?
Would you rather have less work to do, or more work you actually enjoy doing?
What would you do differently if you knew nobody would judge you?

How do you describe passion? 1. A strong feeling or emotion: He spoke with passion. 2. an object of someone’s love, liking, or desire: Art is my passion. 3. strong liking or desire: love. She has a passion for music.

Passion is actually derived from an Ancient Greek word: πάσχω “to suffer, to be acted on so there have been many a quote on the subject, here are a few over time:

1. How can you place a price tag on passion?

2. From the fastest man in the world at his time, Donovan relates that work comes with passion: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=C8QJmI_V3j4&list=PLuDyQHg9f0ty3NsEZTGuz_PclKIruw6l7&index=33

3. Best known for discovering the wreck of the Titanic when looking for lost nuclear weapons, Robert says it’s about your life, not others.

4. Your passion is not for others, that’s your purpose: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZmWBrN7QV6Y&list=PLhXQhpqBNAYsiwGQ6e4rxgbQ0gGVfKZ2u&index=10

5. Then we must always have Oprah’s take on it.

6. Then included in a good passion cake is a modicum of love: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lwgr_IMeEgA&list=PLhXQhpqBNAYsiwGQ6e4rxgbQ0gGVfKZ2u&index=15

7. Purpose follows passion, find the former and the latter will follow.

8. Many Passionate choices here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=r_8ydghbGSg&list=PLhXQhpqBNAYsiwGQ6e4rxgbQ0gGVfKZ2u&index=18

9. Considered the leader most responsible for the Allied victory in WW1 Foch believed that a strong heart won battles not a well trained army.

10. Passion from the start will see you stick it out to the end: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bMpFmHSgC4Q&list=PLhXQhpqBNAYsiwGQ6e4rxgbQ0gGVfKZ2u&index=2

11. All the greats placed passion first then went through the purpose and plans to accomplish their ideas.

12. Passion resides in your heart, not your head: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dW6SkvErFEE&list=PLhXQhpqBNAYsiwGQ6e4rxgbQ0gGVfKZ2u&index=6

13. The great Maya Angelou includes passion, along with compassion, humour and style in her life’s mission.

14. The Chief Operating Officer of Meta/Facebook also insists that as part of your passion there must be contribution included: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pvI9PuGorwI&list=PLhXQhpqBNAYsiwGQ6e4rxgbQ0gGVfKZ2u&index=19

15. The CEO of Linkedin India closes our session with a profound station on passion.

Inside our passion, we must Think Deeply, Speak Gently, Love Lots, Laugh Often, Work Hard, Give Back, Expect Less, Be Present, Be Kind, Be Honest and Be True to Ourselves. Remember we hold the passion, the others are just our aides.

Today’s playlist is passionate and from the heart: We begin with Sade followed by Lady Gaga. Next is Anda Day, then Demi Lovato. Hailee Steinfeld is the song before the penultimate number by Mumford and Sons and we complete with Rachel Platten; enjoy: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLJlQ3F9bKYrsRhCOQtEKTUMGpA53C4NID

I am passionate about Interculturalism, I have created an ethos for it: Love and Respect for All, Everybody Included. I have two Facebook groups to spread the ethos around the world: https://www.facebook.com/groups/183421768519278: Interculturalism and https://www.facebook.com/groups/1126100227764949: Thriving People – People who wish to make a difference to humanity. You can join on the links, Until next time we meet, my dear friends.

What you tell your younger self!!!

Posted on September 19, 2021 by Rod's World

Have you ever written yourself advice in the past or the future. I have done both several times at different periods in my life, the first being in our counter-culture English teachers class in High School. I came across a list a friend wrote recently and feel it has some great advice as it was written around the same time in his life. It was for his future self to his younger self.

Your thirties, forties and fifties won’t feel like your thirties, forties and fifties.
Bad things will happen to you and your friends.
Everyone can make a huge difference.
First impressions aren’t all they’re cracked up to be.
Big results come when you narrow your focus.
Love yourself. Become your own priority.
Sometimes you just have t go for it.
In order to get, you have to give.
Not much is worth fighting about.
Don’t try to impress everyone.
Keep having fun.
Keep it simple.
Little things stick with you.
Keep your opinions to yourself.
Manage your time.
Manage your money.
What you learn in school does matter.
Dreams will remain dreams forever if you don’t take action.

What he did different was he interviewed his father who at the time was in his early 50’s. So what have we as a human race said about sage advice for the future, let’s have a look:

1. Three values for a bright, bright future.

2. Mahatma used this ethos to free a country for foreign rule: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6RYNED5p2EY

3. If we do this every day we will have a lot of personal gratitude in our lives.

4. How’s the book of your life coming along: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=V1d4r9awjKE&list=PL0msuI7SJDFfd2BRR9rOYWF5X9NGlcVXW

5. And Serena is one of a few people who would have the money to even consider this.

6. Make mistakes, this is what you learn from: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=c6rP-YP4c5I

7. Written by the famous Ms Anon, this fits with if you never lie you don’t have to remember anything.

8. Haven’t included a quote by a POTUS for a while, this is a great one: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EqolSvoWNck

9. To be great you will have to go in every direction, some that even you may not give yourself permission.

10. The future is really up to you to create, so do it well: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Dm9Zf1WYQ_A

11. If you do good deeds throughout your life, you will not need campaigns, etc, etc.

12. Hard to believe the wisdom of Forrest Gump is 30 years old: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Y0yFOupUkKQ&list=PLq_6wXJhooZNrHqOq-PLaEQ-VFpgtNc4V&index=14

**13. Evangelist Billy Graham talks a lot about faith, this quote is very poignant.**

14. Take the suggestions but begin the journey: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vP4iY1TtS3s

15. What are you writing for yours?

So this made me think about advice my parents had given me over the years and the times I ignored them. As my friend said, looking back they were right most of the time. This is one of the gifts of eldership.

For today’s playlist we begin with one of my favourite Australian singer/songwriters Anne McCue. Then the second Elvis, Elvis Costello. Three fine female singers follow: Shakira, Marilyn Monroe and Billie Ellish. The penultimate song is a 60’s classic by Scott McKenzie and we finish with Martin Luther King: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLJlQ3F9bKYrt4bcuSvPP1abdV9OUkpqgs

Supporting, guiding and making contributions to other people is one of life’s greatest rewards. Everything you do comes around. Who knows what our futures will be, all I know that mine will include spreading Love and Respect for All, Everybody Included. I have set the plan in place through my two Facebook groups: Thriving People – People who wish to make a difference to humanity: https://www.facebook.com/groups/1126100227764949 and Interculturalism: https://www.facebook.com/groups/183421768519278. You are cordially invited to join one or both of these groups as the more supporting this ethos the merrier.

Until we meet again, my dear friends.

Do you listen to your Heart or your Head?

Posted on September 6, 2021 by Rod's World

I had a coaching session with my friend Lou today and as per usual she asked me what was showing up and what would I like to work on today. We have been in lock-down for over 200 days in my state of Victoria in the last year and I was feeling it today so I stated that I felt a little empty inside especially in my hands. We did some exercises and I noticed that I was forming fists of anger instead of contacting my heart to resolve the issue of what was having me feel this way.

When do we go in the direction of our heads ILO our hearts to resolve matters of the body. Often I do it when life has pushed me over, when really it’s time to stand up and push back even harder. Where there is a fork in the road and choices to make, make the ones your future self will thank you for. Today,start:

Choosing you.
Appreciating what you have.
Believing in yourself and your dreams.
Being positive.
Taking action.
Letting go.
Picking yourself back up.
Ignoring negative people.
Staying in touch with close friends and family.
Making time for fun.
Spreading love and kindness.
Being the change you want to see in the world.

So what has society said about listening to the heart over the centuries, let’s have a look:

1. Advice Pocahontas gave to the invaders of her land.

2. A woman who could live this life in the face of much controversy: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1o9rLDCfO6o

3. It won’t matter after you escape, because we will have passed on to another pathway.

4. Some of my great moments live in this realm: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yCC_b5WHLX0

5. Very practical advice.

6.Tres Cute piece of heart advice: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Eh44QPT1mPE

7. Bold, Brave and Strong, such worthy attributes in life.

8. Bryant McGill is a human potential thought leader, international bestselling author, activist, and social entrepreneur. He is one of the world’s top social media influencers reaching a billion people a year: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Oa7PUQAQ3zo

9. There is a right way to listen, this explains it well.

10. Heart and Soul, they are telling it like it is: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nOubjLM9Cbc

11. This is a mean trick to pull on your body.

12.The first woman to head a Fortune 500 company, hanging around in those circles you definitely would need to know how to do this: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=j5-yKhDd64s&list=PLKsj3BQVDw-_vaWpOlYPbklt4fEbF6OhD

13. The more you follow your heart the shorter you regret list is on your death-bed.

14. Never let the former override the latter: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Pw-0pbY9JeU

Believe in your heart. Listen to your soul as well. Trust your instincts. Acknowledge your own strengths. Dream it and dare it. Do what you are afraid of, and capable of. Follow your vision. Know that anything is possible. Know you Can.

A couple of classics on the playlist today. Elton John leads us off. Then Roxette do that song about hearts followed by Neil Young. 2Pac does a rap cover of Roxette next with Michael Kiwanuka rocking one out next. The penultimate song is Eminem and we complete with Twenty One Pilots: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLJlQ3F9bKYrsF_nUjfphbe4SiEWUmM-ug

I think your heart wants the best for you but sometimes we forget this when we make mistakes following it and we get scared off. My ethos for Interculturalism: Love and Respect for All, Everybody Included comes from my heart-space. I use two Facebook groups to support the spread of it. The first and oldest is Interculturalism: https://www.facebook.com/groups/Interulturalism, the second is Thriving People – People who wish to make a difference to humanity: https://www.facebook.com/groups/1126100227764949. You are always welcome yo join our band of merry travelers, just click on the links. Until next time my dear friends.

Day 200, and its not over!!!

Posted on August 25, 2021 by Rod's World

Last Thursday in my home town of Preston, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia we reached a notable breakthrough. It was 200 days we have been in Lockdown since the start of the pandemic, number six in fact with short breaks in between. You could let this take you on a deep ride of despair or contemplate what your new future will be after the light has returned..

So how do you find strength in hard times It is these losses that make us stronger and eventually move us toward future opportunities for growth and happiness. here are some thoughts to get through this stage:

You are not what happened to you in the past.
Focus on what you have, not on what you don’t.
Struggling with problems is a natural part of growing.
It’s OK to fall apart for a little while.
Life is fragile, sudden, and shorter than it often seems.
Emotionally separate yourself from your problems.
Don’t make a problem bigger than it is.
View every challenge as an educational assignment.
Things change, but the sun always rises the next day.
Giving up and moving on are two different things.
Perfect relationships don’t exist.
You must love yourself too.
Don’t let others make decisions for you.
Resentment hurts you, not them.
Consciously nurture your inner hope.
It’s better to be hurt by the truth than comforted by a lie.
Not getting what you want can be a blessing.
Laughter is the best medicine for stress.
Worrying is literally a waste of energy.
Even when it’s hard to move, take small steps forward.
You are better off without some people you thought you needed.
You are only competing against yourself.
Life is not easy.
Your future is unwritten.
You are not trapped, you just need to relearn a few things.
Everything in life is two-sided.
You always have a choice.
Let others in when you’re in a dark place.
If you ask negative questions, you will get negative answers.
The end is a new beginning.

As Lockdown is a relatively new term in our vocabulary comments made on it come from our current time, but there are people who have come up with some classics, let’s have a look:

1.Dolly is like a walking quotesayer.

2. Each day is what you make of it: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qupH9aLF4hA

3. Especially written for our friends during Lockdown.

4.Where we hangout these days: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9Eo9M4-BrJA

5. Not the thoughts of a certain premier in our country, Go you good thing Gladys B.

6. And each day there are COVID reports from all around the country: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ity-l7be1z0

7. Ellen Burstyn is an American actress. Known for her portrayal of complicated women in dramas, Burstyn is the recipient of numerous accolades, including an Academy Award, two Prime-time Emmy awards, and a Tony Award, one of the few performers to achieve the “Triple Crown of Acting”.

8. A bit over the top but relevant in it’s meaning: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NKdknYaSHgE

9. How much would we all love a hug and kiss!!!

10. And actually watch the air stewardesses do their routine:https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cr7SgQewSEc

11. You can never go back to whence you where.

12. A question often asked on social media:https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=v7TarriXFME

13. We have several of these signs in our neighborhood.

14. And for the anti-vaxxers reading this: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bDktBZzQIiU

15. And we finish with a quote by the famous Ms. Unknown.

Spend your time wisely today and pause long enough to appreciate it. Every moment you get is a gift. Don’t waste time by dwelling on the past. Spend it on things that move you in the direction of your future.

Today’s playlist contains 4 gods and queens of Rock.We begin with Lou Reed and Pavarotti, a mighty combination. Then the first of two Covid parodies, Coronavirus Rhapsody. Joe Cocker is next then followed by our next duet John Denver and Cass Elliot. Plane Music flies away next. The penultimate tune is the second parody by Ariana Grande and we complete with Johnny Cash: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLJlQ3F9bKYrt3Nm36QtzpKaeQy7e89nwm

With the world covered by lock-downs I sense that the world need my ethos: Love and Respect for All, Everybody Included and my two Facebook groups that spread it around the world Interculturalism: https://www.facebook.com/groups/183421768519278 and Thriving People – People who wish to make a difference to humanity: https://www.facebook.com/groups/1126100227764949, you are invited to join our merry band. Till next time, my dear friends.

Some day there won’t be a song in your heart, Sing anyway!!!

Posted on July 13, 2021 by Rod's World

We are raised on music, from our mothers singing nursery rhymes to us to the top twenty hits we full in love with at primary school to listening to our parents music they play during the day and night that keep styles existing across the ages. As the title say someday there won’t be one of these songs in our heart, but it requests we sing anyway.

Nobody gets through life without losing someone they love, someone they need, or something they thought was meant to be. But it is these losses that make us stronger and eventually move us toward future opportunities for growth and happiness.

Over the past decade, I’ve had my share of painful Losses, Losing both of my parents and several friends. When the time of mourning was over in each circumstance, I pressed forward with a greater understanding and respect for life. Here are some things to contemplate:

You are not what happened to you in the past.
Focus on what you have,, not on what you don’t.
Struggling with problems is a natural way of growing.
It’s Okay to fall apart for a little while.
Life is fragile, sudden, and shorter than it seems.
Emotionally separate yourself from your problems.
Don’t make a problem bigger than it is.
View each challenge as an educational assignment.
Things change, but the sun always rises the next day.
Giving up and moving on are two very different things.
Perfect relationships don’t exist.
You must love yourself too.
Don’t let others make decisions for you.
Resentment hurts you, not them.
Consciously nurture your inner hope.
It’s better to be hurt by the truth than comforted by a lie.
Not getting what you want can be a blessing.
Laughter is the best medicine for stress.
Worrying is literally a waste of energy.
Even when it’s hard to move, take small steps forward.
You are better off without some people you thought you needed.
You are only competing against yourself.
Life is not easy.
Your future is unwritten.
You are not trapped, you just need to relearn a few things.
Everything in life is two-sided.
You always have a choice.
Let others in when you are in a dark place.
If you ask negative questions, you will get negative answers.
The end is a new beginning.

So given the power of music, I wonder what has been said about it over the centuries, Let’s have a look:

1. Indigenous societies still use this thusand yeay old method that western society replaced by pills.

2. Santayana is popularly known for aphorisms, such as “Those who cannot remember the past are condemned to repeat it”, “Only the dead have seen the end of war”, and the definition of beauty as “pleasure objectified”. Although an atheist, he treasured the Spanish Catholic values, practices, and worldview in which he was raised^. Santayana was a broad-ranging cultural critic spanning many disciplines: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=u0cBhdvXfJA

3. Music could be said to be like a car. It warms you up, gets you there and back, and chills down at the end of the day.

4. John Legend wrote the hit song All of Me for his wife to cheer her up: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=450p7goxZqg

5. Music can give you all of it.

6. From the 17th Century Ludwig Van Beethoven places a high value on music: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jv2WJMVPQi8

7. Considered the greatest classical composer of his time, here is another Ludwig quote.

8. Music covers all the conditions as Alex states, from calmness to being pumped up: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3Y71iDvCYXA

9. Policy advice on what education should spend their money on from 300 B.C.

10 now called a Spotify list: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1VQ_3sBZEm0

11. A profound promise for the science of Music Therapy.

12. Wonderful Healing Codes from the world of music: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iWZmdoY1aTE&list=PLXZh40qo2oQlnhiKtJa6cHQMnaXYxP7Ay&index=7

13. In 2007 neurologist Oliver Sacks released his book Musicophilia: Tales of Music and the Brain in which he explores a range of psychological and physiological ailments and their intriguing connections to music.

14. We find that music is a relaxant time and time again: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VdQY7BusJNU

15. And for our final quote Nelson Mandela sets us free to dream wit the power of music.

Whether our heart has a song it or not, I believe the quotes talk to the powerful remedies that music has to offer on a day to day basis.

The playlist today contains the first classical track I have used in over 750 blogs. We begin with Shaina Noll then stay around this time frame with John Legend. Ludwig Van Beethoven is next who is followed by two rocky numbers from different periods of time, Elvis Costello and the Foo Fighters. The penultimate track is from Ed Sheeran and we finish with Cyndi Lauper: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLJlQ3F9bKYruGUWns9UHcFOQwbJznIYaQ

There is a world of music out there and I believe is supports my world ethos of Love and Respect for All, Everybody Included. To spread the ethos around the world like my readers from 160 countries I have created a Facebook Group, Interculturalism, here is the link for you to join our tribe: https://www.facebook.com/groups/Interulturalism.

Till we meet again my dear friends.

Your Contribution is a gift to the Community!!!

Posted on July 5, 2021 by Rod's World

Several years ago I fell in love with a social enterprise in my home city of Melbourne called Lentil as Anything, a chain of restaurants run on a pay as you feel philosophy. The title of this blog is part of their ethos. A question for you: do you walk around thinking my contribution is a gift to the community or more like thinking I don’t really make much of a contribution. What is it that shifts you from the latter to the former.

When life pushes you over, stand up and push back even harder. When there is a fork in the road, make the ones your future self with thank you for. Today, start:

1.Choosing you.

2. Appreciating what you have.

3. Believing in yourself and your dreams.

4. Being Positive.

5. Taking Action

6. Letting Go.

7. Picking Yourself Back Up.

8. Ignoring Negative People.

9. Staying in touch with close friends and family.

10. Making Time for Fun.

11. Spread Love and Kindness.

12. Being the Change you want to see in the World.

I can imagine this is a battle that has gone on between our consciousnesses for a very long time, Let’s have a look at what people of note have said about it over the years:

1.I think this depends on who you ask?

2. Mr I am not your Guru who appears to be worshiped by his followers as a guru :https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=y9lNbNGbo24

3. Reading his history Arthur Ashe, tennis player extraordinaire was a remarkable African American in a time at best they were called negro if not worse.

4. In history the first wise people were not remembered for what they achieved but what they contributed: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rMLChxRHnWM

5. The first female high school principal in the U.S.A., Ethel founded AARP, an elder activist organization which with membership of 28 million making its magazine and bulletin the two largest readerships in the USA.

6. Gautama Buddha chips in from 2,400 years ago: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lzrCRDGctNE

7. I do not believe we have studied this one very well.

8. One of 15 surviving sailors on the battleship Arizona at Pearl Harbour, his book The Strangest Secret is considered one of the greatest motivational books of all time: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WpYeekQkAdc&list=PL3DDj3bwnjI1ywrjlCUY_9SX4OQgHr5KJ

9. The best remembered wife of a POTUS, Eleanor Roosevelt never began to die until she did.

10. And they left a word out of this quote, HER: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XLYqTZKEpvs

11. Live long and Prosper was made famous by Leonard Nimoy’s character Spock in his 50 year acting career.

12. No levels of government are contributing to their community if they have laws that do this: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EpfpqsSALuY

13. Makes sense to me, but does it happen?

14. Another deep question to answer: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CtZrPDjyffI

15 And the most famous POTUS with a very obtuse question to finish.

This collection of quotes shows that we have thought about contribution being a gift for a long time as a human race, I think we will for a long time in the future and perhaps even resolve the issue.

Today’s playlist goes all over the place, contributions of spoken word, the 80’s, the East and a very education video on black music. We begin with none of these, firstly is Gang Starr, then followed by Marianne Williamson. My unknown is next the Isha Foundation. My favourite Black Eyed Peas song leads us to Darryl Hall and John Oates. The penultimate song is Massive Attack and we finish with Music is Black History: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLJlQ3F9bKYrtUz0w9taVPwST5DJcBuhWd

I believe my contribution that is a gift to the community is my ethos: Love and respect for All, Everybody Included and my two Facebook Groups: Interculturalism: https://www.facebook.com/groups/Interulturalism and Thriving People – People who wish to make a difference to humanity: https://www.facebook.com/groups/1126100227764949 to allow anyone across the planet join our merry little clan. Until we neet again, my dear friends.

Give someone a Smile!!

Posted on April 1, 2021 by Rod's World

I’ve gone back to getting my subjects for my blogs off my kitchen wall. The title for this one comes from my We build Tribes chart. The purpose is to build a purpose-driven community, I actually have two: They are Interculturalism: https://www.facebook.com/groups/Interulturalism and Thriving People – People who wish to make a difference to Humankind: https://www.facebook.com/groups/1126100227764949. Both have the ethos of Love and Respect for All, Everyone Included at their core.

Each community has the following behind it:

10,000 people woke up this morning shedding private tears because they need a solution to their problem. You have that solution, go find them.
No other individual was placed upon this earth to do what you were uniquely born to do. Be you and the world will transform.
We live in an abundant world, allow that abundance to flow through you and you will never be without it.
Build a tribe that changes the very fabric of society, That is what you were born to do.
Whatever your goal, dream or desire is, It’s yours for the taking. Never accept you can’t.
Be consumed with a vision for tomorrow, go there in your own life and people will follow.
In a world of increasing isolation, be the campfire that attracts friends, laughter and authentic moments of transformation.
No-one ever got lucky, true success flows from consistency and persistency. Never, ever give up.
It’s going to be hard, It’s going to be tough. Remember, when you quit, No one wins.
Be their leader, be their servant, be their guide. But whatever you do. Make sure you “be”.
Don’t ever love others to the detriment of loving yourself. There is no one more important than you.
Rest, love, allow yourself to be loved. For as much as you feel the world rests on your shoulders, it doesn’t.
Support one another, cherish one another, inspire one another. We can make an even greater impact when we do so together.
Give someone a smile, give them money, give them a moment – when you have the capacity to do so… give.
With money comes influence, impact and opportunity – freedom comes when we cease fearing the pursuit of money & we embrace it.

So what has society said about communities – lets walk down that path:

1. Read that word, everyone, all 7 billion of us.

2. And her partner was Martin Luther King Junior, hear him speak: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ixfwGLxRJU8

3. Do you know what your community cares about?

4. Author of the Courage to Create, this quote speaks profoundly of the power of communication: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nN6VR92V70M

5. We all know a community needs more than one colour.

6. Another religious guru facing abuse allegations. Bill Hybels has a lot to reconcile: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Z-6zYv9hCow

7. From little things , big things grow.

8. My purpose to make my communities safe places: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aHvTWvKIPHo

9. How many friendships I have made simply asking would you like to go for a coffee?

**10. Give someone a smile, give them money, give them a moment – when you have the capacity to do so… give**: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=S8QV6ffjIYU

11. Ubuntu is a Nguni Bantu term meaning “humanity”. It is sometimes translated as “I am because … Language.

12. Very profound, Marianne: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SxGLPVvNjvY

13. Boom!!!

14. And my favourite dance crew are the Desert Dwellers: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tAuAcC6-5ds

15. This one touches my soul.

I have had faith in intentional communities to transform out planet, it will take something but to me has always been possible.

Today’s playlist is truly eclectic. We begin with Martin Luther King’s most famous speech. Then one of my favourite pop divas, Taylor Swift. An Aussie legend follows, Lee Morgan. Then another of my favourite spoken word giants, Maya Angelou. Back to the 60s or 70s with Bread. Ava Max is the penultimate track, then we finish my favourite dance crew, The Desert Dwellers: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLJlQ3F9bKYrsTT_-LiPDrKqshrgpwBoPh

So I will complete with my ethos one more time: Love and Respect for All, Everyone Included. Until we meet afain my dear friends.

How do you break the Ice?

Posted on March 26, 2021 by Rod's World

After a failed relationship which was my first in ten years I have become hesitant to dip my toes in the water again. But even with this hesitancy the opportunity has risen again and a wondrous women has appeared in my sights. I have wanted to kiss her almost from the moment I saw her across the room and attending a community dinner with her after the event we were at reinforced why I would want to do this.

I see the people from this event once or twice a month so if I want more to happen the hesitancy will have to go away. She kissed me goodbye last time we met and I have been flustered by this ever since. All the stories that raise their ugly heads have arisen since then.My friend Angel suggested a few things to do to move on from this:

Free myself from negative people.
Let go of those who are already gone.
Give people you don’t know a fair chance.
Show everyone kindness and respect.
Accept people just the way they are.
Encourage others and cheer for them.
Be your perfectly imperfect self.
Forgive people and move forward.
Do little things for others every day.
Pay attention to who your real friends are.
Always be loyal.
Stay in better touch with people who matter to you.
Keep your promises and tell the truth.
Give what you want to receive.
Say what you mean and mean what you say.
Allow others to make their own decisions.
Talk less and listen more.
Leave petty arguments behind.
Ignore unconstructive, hurtful commentary.
Pay attention to your relationship with yourself.

So what has the human race said about this dilemma over the centuries, let’s have a look:

1. Morgan Harper Nichols is an American Christian musician, songwriter, mixed-media artist, and writer, whose work is centred around the question “how can we create connection?”.

2. That this woman would walk up to me and kiss me was totally unexpected, I did not think she knew I existed: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Tq72aBL7GLY

3. They say the feeling between fear and excitement is only in what you choose to call it.

4. The period of Catherine the Great’s rule, the Catherinian Era, is considered a Golden Age of Russia. The Manifesto on Freedom of the Nobility, issued during the short reign of Peter III and confirmed by Catherine, freed Russian nobles from compulsory military or state service. Construction of many mansions of the nobility, in the classical style endorsed by the empress, changed the face of the country. She enthusiastically supported the ideals of the Enlightenment and is often included in the ranks of the enlightened despots. As a patron of the arts, she presided over the age of the Russian Enlightenment, including the establishment of the Smolny Institute for Noble Maidens, the first state-financed higher education institution for women in Europe.

5. Preferring Waldo to Ralph , Emerson was considered the 19th Centuries preeminent philosopher.

6. While Moore dealt with alcoholism and health issues throughout her life which make this statement by her ring true, it’s her work with television that will forever be remembered. And she amassed quite a hefty fortune thanks to her work. According to Celebrity Net Worth, Moore died with a net worth of $60 million: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KSbnvgF-vOk

7. From a beautiful Coastal town in Australia, Lupytha is an aspiring young philosopher of this century.

8. If its not scary, it does not require bravery: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=W_FPN-bttVQ

9. Now from what Neil has stated he knows how to be really scared.

10. More wisdom from Waldo: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Zz-DJr1Qs54

11. Boom!!!

12. It seems to be in this case, or is it: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=be0rGkKxSGU

13. Not all those thoughts, especially the what if ones.

14. And we had to let Brene have a say on this subject: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LYFRcK4hDes

15. And for our final lesson today, Mary Tyler Moore offers us a beauty.

Family and lovers are not always blood. They’re the people in your life who appreciate having you in theirs – the ones who encourage you to improve in healthy and exciting ways, and who not only embrace who you are know but also who you want to be. These people – your real people – are the ones who truly matter.

Today’s playlist has a bit of cabaret in it: We begin with songstress Bernadette Peters, then an Olympic song by Boney M. One of America’s sweethearts Mary Tyler Moore is next before we access our three rock entries, David Bowie, The Cranberries and P.I.L. We complete with some sage advice from Brene Brown, Enjoy this diverse playlist: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLJlQ3F9bKYrscdcrz4k2Uhkp9ArVfJ4Na

Wouldn’t it be beautiful if we were able to express how we felt to each and every person, to show Love and Respect for All, Everyone Included. This is the ethos of my two Facebook Groups, Thriving People – People who wish to make a difference to Humanity: https://www.facebook.com/groups/1126100227764949 and Interculturalism: https://www.facebook.com/groups/Interulturalism. By clicking on the links you can join our merry bands of adventurers.

Until we meet again, my dear friends.

What Interculturalism could provide?

Posted on February 23, 2021 by Rod's World

I have started watching Al Jazeera News broadcasts because I was sick of the mindless photo opportunities our Prime Minister down here in Australia, nicknamed as Scotty from marketing uses main stream media in our country for. Today I say an item where the Italian ambassador for the Republic of Congo had been ambushed and killed on a country road and it made me think would these people have done that if they knew why the ambassador was in their country, fundamentally to provide aid in the name of doing good deeds between the two countries.

Then I thought about as to why had I named my blog I am an Interculturalist all those years ago. The definition of Interculturalism goes as follows: Interculturalism refers to support for cross-cultural dialogue and challenging self-segregation tendencies within cultures. … It is based on the recognition of both differences and similarities between cultures. It has addressed the risk of the creation of absolute relativism within post modernity and in multiculturalism. Cross-cultural dialogue is what drew me to the Darebin Intercultural Centre after attending a Colombian film night at which there were about twenty cultures hanging out and being friends, all I can say is that I was hooked from that night.

So what does society say is the value of living an intercultural life, Let’s have a look:

1. Terminal Uniqueness sounds like it would get in the way a lot.

2. Ruth Benedict was a interculturalist of the early 19th Century, She studied the relationships between personality, art, language and culture, insisting that no trait existed in isolation or self-sufficiency, a theory which she championed in her 1934 book Patterns of Culture: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YkgkThdzX-8

3. Such a beautiful quote!!

4. Many races, One planet: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=J8xnsvDdPu0&list=PLxRZFM2I_PNdIcCrvc6p-SPzKUvsSe4jX&index=4

5. And we take the best of each country.

6. And they can come from any walk of life: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=66Qkf2Jm6pc

7. Do you have to understand them all, not really.

8. How do you cook your chicken?: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YewVugPHon4

9. Just 7 billion of us.

10. We have all seen that meme, seems they drew imaginary lines on the planet: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1PDdCmJ84LI

11. Do you?

12. Some of the things that Interculturalism can solve: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KaHbiUvXlhM

13. This is what Interculturalism battles with each and every day.

14. Its not all in the words: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=R8AOAap6_k4

15. And we finish with some fine words from Maya Angelou.

Life is full of positive experiences. Notice them. Life your life to the fullest potential by reveling in the beauty of these experiences, and letting them inspire you to be the most positive version of you. Living a positive life is all about creating positive habits to help you focus on what truly matters. Interculturalism is this for me. Here are some simple ideas to help you life this life:

Wake up every morning with the idea that something wonderful is possible today.
Celebrate your existence.
Appreciate life’s perfect moments.
Embrace life’s challenges.
Become addicted to constant and never-ending self-improvement.
Live and breathe the truth.
Fill your own bucket.
Help the people around you smile.
Spend time with positive people.

I have included two of Australia’s musical secrets in the playlist today: We commence with John Lennon, then follow with one of Australia’s best, Murray Kyle. Back to the last century for Dionne Warwick and Friends, Culture Club and Bob Marley. The penultimate track is a band I spent a lot of time watching in my youth in Melbourne – I’m Talking and we finish with Womack and Womack with that song: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLJlQ3F9bKYrtVIdAvmWWOGAUdwvsPovnM

So I have created a Facebook group called Interculturalism which has the ethos of Love and Respect for All, Everyone Included, Here is the link to join it and share your examples of it: https://www.facebook.com/groups/Interulturalism Until we meet again my dear friends.

With a Little Help for my Friends!!!

Posted on February 15, 2021 by Rod's World

Lockdown number three in my hometown of Melbourne, Australia, bummer. Only 5 days this time, but the dreaded stage four: 5 kilometres and four reasons to leave your home. Even for that short period of time it severely effected two musician friends of mine earnings, they had to cancel their main income making events for the month. When contacted bt them I offered the first to keep the money and send me a download and the second I gave a donation to because she sent us a download for being on her dance crew.

These people keep our hearts open and alive and I am so willing to support them when life gets in their way as this five day hiatus has. I have been a Patreon contributor for over two years for two other friends and Amanda fucking Palmer. This is an excellent way of contributing to people who use these funds to do the work they need to do in the manner that allows them to be most creative. So over time how has the world looked at creativity, lets take a walk down that path:

Musicians impress me in the fact that they are willing to do this for days.

2. There has been no one like you on this planet before: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eIj4ojGFdDY

3. Maya knows best.

4. Rain and art, two useful cleansers: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wGB59HuKu-I

5. Being good is enemy number one – Pablo.

6. Being emotive brings out your creativity: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2vjPBrBU-TM&list=PL9A6W9rJ8TCvgGp2wo8IXenyGHqw-v_B7

7. Creativity is a unique form of breath-work.

8. Pablo was as much a philosopher as an artist: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Kc2iLAubras

9. Why would you need one if your life is art?

10. An essential part of your daily diet: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iPUmE-tne5U

11. Art is made up of all colours, or not.

12. He nearly did with that mustache: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Q6T97kHjKiY

13. A fun creativity list to live life from, Yummy!!

14. Lailah Gifty Akita is enthusiastic inspirational writer, born in Accra, Ghana. She is the author of ‘The Alphabet of Success’ , ‘ Think Great,Be Great; Beautiful Quotes Volume 1 and ‘The Wings of Hope:Survivor’. She is passionate about empowering the mind of young people to fulfill greatest mission: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=76RTRjj7Jmw

15. It is in the eye of the beholder.

So we have the opportunity to be creative day to day, here is a list of questions to ask yourself each Sunday as to how you went:

What did I learn last week?
What was my greatest accomplishment over the past week?
Which moment from last week was the most memorable and why?
What’s the number one thing I need to accomplish this week?
What can I do right now to make the week less stressful?
What have I struggled with in the past that might also affect the coming week?
What was last weeks biggest time sink?
Am I carrying any excess baggage into the upcoming week that can be dropped?
What have I been avoiding that needs to get done?
What opportunities are still on the table?
is there anyone I’ve been meaning to talk to?
Is there anyone that deserves a big thankyou?
How can I help someone else this coming week?
What are my top three goals for the next three years?
Have any of my recent actions moved me closer to my goals?
What’s the next step for each goal?
What am I looking forward to during the coming week?
What are my fears?
What am I most grateful for?
If I knew I had only one week to live, who would I spend my time with?

Take thirty minutes every Sunday and give yourself the gift of self-reflection.

Today’s playlist is not a playlist, it is seven songs because YouTube is playing up: We begin with a new pop diva to me named Lenka. We then go back in time to 10CC. Sia is great next, then two bands, Modern Lovers and Katrina and the Waves. We finish with two international numbers by Mecano and Kuami Eugene.

So we have many opportunities in our lives to give to others, to me give and you will receive helping my world ethos of Love and Respect for All, Everyone Included spread to the other 46 countries it has not been read in. Here is the link to join our Facebook group – Thriving People: People who wish to make a difference to Humankind: https://www.facebook.com/groups/1126100227764949

Until we meet again, my dear friends.