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July - the month of "Finding a Way".
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Triple R. Review Reflect Respond - Sunday Discussion Group
3rd August, 2011
12:38pmTriple R: Review, Reflect, Respond- Sunday 31st July.
Facilitator:Gabriele Buzatu
Today our group reviewed the address
“A Hundred Ways to Get Over Your Grumpiness – Two or Three will Do!”
A release from ‘Grumpiness’ comes through developing the motivation to look for pockets of happiness and joy whether that be music, the knowledge that Spring is coming and nature is beautiful, looking forward to something enjoyable, a cup of tea with friends or a chocolate.
For some, grumpiness is a short term state, for others it is here to stay perhaps because for some we are naturally that way. The idea that there exists long term grumpiness relates to conditions such as tiredness, our culture which can be oriented this way or finding that for one reason or another life has not turned out how we wished. Others revel in their grumpiness, are rewarded for it and earn the title of ‘provocateur’. Some just cannot be told and grump on regardless of the effect it has on those around them.
For those with the motivation to do something about their grumpiness, asking ‘What do I really need?” may give the answers, positive relationships, or a passion that I believe in, an activity or focus that gives me meaning, is engaging and in which I can gain mastery.
A plan is important. It help to focus on the future, reminds one of what works and to engage with what expands ones thinking and being. Other ideas were to write, sleep on it and to walk or exercise. All assist in helping reduce grumpiness in ones self and the world.
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Triple R. Review Reflect Respond - Sunday Discussion Group
13th July, 2011
8:33amTriple R: Review, Reflect, Respond - Sunday July 10, 2011
Facilitator: Adam Jones
100 ways to lift the value of yourself - 3or 4 will do.
The group discussed different circumstances in which people need to lift themselves.
This focused on life changing events where people needed find a way to ‘respond’ rather than react.
The life changing events included:
• Ageing
• Loss
• The end of working life
• Illness
The group felt that these were times when people became vulnerable and lost confidence in themselves.
The group found their low spirits lifted when they were able to engage in life in a new way.
Re-engagement came through meeting new people and giving of themselves through volunteer work.
We all inspired each other by how we had come to revalue ourselves and the stories of our experiences.
• What is your interpretation of "Dreaming"
• It doesn't always mean dreaming while you're asleep
• It can be synonymous with 'fantasising'
• It can also be the beginning of great inspiration and invention
• It can be positive and negative, productive or destructive, beautiful or ugly
What did Mahler mean by the expression "sunbeams of life"?
• Light in the darkness
• Tenderness and gentleness
• The opposite to darkness
• Goodness
How can we keep alive the Human spirit?
• Pursuing our dreams and goals
• Not giving up, persevering
• Never saying never (learning to play the flute in your 50's)
Is there really too much emphasis on the head and less on the heart?
• The group agreed that there must be a balance - too much of one or the other can be misleading
• Homework for kids got a good mention - but none of us could see them out in the vegie garden!
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Triple R. Review Reflect Respond - Sunday Discussion Group
4th July, 2011
11:04amTriple R: Review, Reflect, Respond - Sunday July 3, 2011.
Facilitator: Neil Blood.
After service discussion on Dr Macnab’s address: A Hundred Ways to Restart Your Life -- Two or Three Will Do!
Review:
Life comes to a standstill. Loss of job. Loss of valued relationships.
Loss of a loved one, spouse, partner, child. Retirement. You are getting older. Major illness. Everything goes wrong.
People say “you have to move on”
It is not so easy to restart your life.
How do you restart your life?
Is it possible to restart your life?
How will it happen for us?
What is possible?
Reflect:
Have seen others restart their lives, so it is possible.
Other people, friends, colleagues can help us.
Persistence to move forward.
Look for involvement outside your normal circle of life, such as volunteer work.
Pause – enter into a time of quietness.
Wait for inner strength to return – finding meaning courage and renewal.
Enlightened prayer changes minds to gentle caring.
Respond:
Look for and be aware of the signs of renewal / regeneration – the small green leaf bought back by the dove in the legend of Noah was the beginning of a new start to life.
Take time to pause, to be aware of our inner resources and God’s presence allowing our spiritual strength to be restored.
We don’t have to walk alone, others can help so long as we don’t close them out.
A restart to life can happen spontaneously.
We can create a restart.