Linda Hannah Young

Where in the World?

2012-11-30T05:51:00.005-08:00

It is amazing where one can find themselves! If you had told me 12 months ago that in 2012 I would have toured most of Europe, including living in France for months, I would have politely asked you what you had been sniffing.

However if you had a look at my goal setting (wish list) you would have clearly seen that in the next 3 to 5 years I wanted to spend time in Europe. How did this come about? One email, one response, several back and forward exchanges I am excepted to teach in the UK, which is were our adventure began.

A Desire + Response to an Invitation = Dream Come True.

While the first 5 months of this adventure took place in and around London, and having spent time in a camper van following Google Maps to get as far north as the Isle of Iona in Scotland and as far west as Wales, we now find ourselves in a house-sit, minding a cat and a home in the south of France.

The next 4 months will be filed with writing, reflecting and preparing for what may emerge once I am back home again (followed by a 16 day European city bus tour, before going back to UK, Ireland and then home).

I am truly excited about what is happening. I've been taking on-line courses, studying French (Ca si bon!), flute and meditation.

I'd love to hear about things that you've dreamed about that have magically manifested!

So grateful to my Creator as I take time to be still and contemplate.

2011-09-28T02:08:00.000-07:00

Walking in His Footsteps: A reflective journey into the words of Jesus

Linda Young will facilitate this opportunity to spend a day in the beautiful surrounds of Campion, to walk in the steps of Jesus through meditation on His words and deeds. The day will consist of reflection on Scripture, silent meditation and an opportunity to prayerfully walk the labyrinth (weather permitting), providing space for hearts to be open to what God may desire to speak back into your lives.

When: Wednesday 26 October, 9.30 am – 4.00 pm

Where: Campion Centre, 99 Studley Park Road, Kew

Cost: $50

RSVP: To Maxine Lamont, mlamont@churchesofchrist.org.au or 03 9488 8800 by 20 October.
(See registration form attached)

I hope to see you there!

Love and blessings,

Janet Woodlock

A Reignited Passion

2010-11-15T15:57:00.000-08:00

Many moons ago, maybe in a previous lifetime, when I was at high school, I learned the clarinet. I loved the melodic tones that can only resonate through a woodwind instrument and I endeavored to learn. Well after a time, and the introduction of braces to my teeth, I let go the desire to learn and there that desire lay, somewhere in the back of my consciousness, until the other day.

It was a Sunday afternoon and after the dedication of my amazing twin nephews, the extended family decided to go to a near by Sunday market. It was great We wandered around row by row, marveling at this, laughing at that - that's when I saw it. Well actually I just saw the case and my heart jumped. I went over to the attendant of the stall and he said in his lyrical accent, "Ah it belonga to mya son, but he no want it anymore. I pay good money for ita buta now he noa play...too busy doinga his studies." He purposefully and intentionally opened the case, which felt like it was in slow-motion, to reveal a pristine alto clarinet. "May I?" I asked, and I began to assemble it, placing each piece lovingly together. After holding it, and fingering notes for some time I ask, "How much?" The question that had to be asked and in my head I am thinking $500 - $600. "Cost me alota money, my sona, you know...ummm....$150 negotiable." That was a bargain I nonchalantly disassembled it, put it back in the box and said I would think about it.

The next step was convincing hubby, the other partner of my financial estate, whether I should get it. We talked pro's and con's and to my surprise, after picking my heart back up off the pathway, he said, "Go for it"

I meandered back over to the stall, again looking at the box, which was now open and on display to the world, and I said, "I'll take it" I know I could of haggled on the 'negotiable' bit, but I knew I was getting a bargain and I was happy.

Tune in to my next blog on "Why does my Clarinet Sound Like a Goose On Heart?"

LINDA HANNAH YOUNG

For further thoughts go to www.deeplyimplicit.com

Permalink: http://www.clarinet-accessories.net

2010-04-07T14:59:00.000-07:00

An Achidna - Blissfully Intentional

Learning to live in bliss is something that becomes easier, with time. I am finding that by purposefully and intentionally deciding to be happy and see the goodness in the situation, such feelings are coming more naturally.

Instead of being stressed by being late for an appointment, I remind myself that all is well and to be grateful for the ability to travel and make plans. I contemplate how being held up may suit a higher purpose and my purpose is not to question or to beat myself up - mine is to lovingly accept and trust that all is well.

Is it better to be anxious or to trust? Am I saying to the my God, I am angry and annoyed with this situation or am I saying I trust that all things are working together for good and that Your way is higher than my way? I am choosing the later.

It is amazing how, with this type of thinking, the world has seemed to slow down for me. I feel less rushed and compelled to meet any deadline, yet in doing so I am meeting deadlines easily and in a more relaxed way.

I choose life and I allow life's occurrences to gently steer me in ways of love and life. I don't need to push against or push my way through life. Life always chooses for my best. I just need to trust it! In doing so I feel a deep sense of being on purpose in my life and living in bliss.

It's heating up

2009-12-22T18:04:00.000-08:00

In the aftermath of black Saturday, where almost 200 precious Victorians died through a horrific bushfire, the weather once again begins to warm up.

It is an interesting space to be in. You grieve for those who passed, you reflect on the people who lost everything, home, clothes, precious memories gained over a life time. Then you start to wonder, "What would I grab if I only had 10 minutes to get out before an impending fire?" Interestingly enough most things are replaceable, as special as they might be.

What would you grab? Some precious photos, a few keepsakes, a special gift?

The most precious things that we truly have are each other and we are not replaceable. Be grateful for all you have, but especially, be grateful for each other.

xx

And So This Is Christmas...

2009-12-21T15:18:00.000-08:00

It has been a very amazing, yet different year for me, 2009.

Moving back to Woodend has enriched my soul, being so close to nature and to wildlife. Taking time to rest and recoup has been an important part of this year's journey.

Christmas is a time to stop and give thanks for the year that has been and take hope that new things are around the corner. In Jesus' birth there eminates hope for the world; new life and new beginnings. We can take on that promise for 'a new start' any time of the year, any moment of the day, but especially at the celebration of the birth of the Christ-child.

May this year's end and the new year's beginning bring forth into your lives hope and joy and the knowledge that love can make all the difference to this world we live in. "Love"

New Adventures

2009-07-15T00:29:00.000-07:00

A Note for Children was presented to Woodend Primary School today as a way of saying thank you for their support over many years. It was the first place were I truly discovered my love for teaching and because of that experience I enrolled at teachers' college...and the rest is history.

The children love my book. Each time I read it to a new grade I watched their reaction and their level of engagement. They did not know that I was the author, not until the very end of the story, when I showed them my picture on the back cover. The engagement was real, not just to please me, and they often clapped at the end of the story...sweet!

I long for the day when a big publishing firm recognises what this book can do for children and takes it on board and distributes it all over the country. Until then, thank you for your support...

LGHY

A New Revelation

2009-04-26T02:38:00.000-07:00

After spending the past few months saying farewells and moving back to our country home, I sat down and meditated on the question, "What now?" Of all the impressions put on my heart there were two that really stood out.

Firstly to start a gathering of weekly studies

Secondly to put focus and intent into Deeply Implicit, really honing in on its purpose and mission in the world.

I feel very focused and in tune with my purpose of : love, compassion,personal and communal authenticity.

So blessed and grateful to God for this mission.

In light & love

Linda

Where Children Meet.

2009-01-27T16:57:00.000-08:00

Whilst listening to a spoken-word presentation by Deepak Chopra I heard his rendition of Tegore Gitanjali's poem. With musical accompaniment by Dave Stewart of 10CC fame, I was moved by the beautiful imagery and playful interaction between the sea and children....love it!

"On the seashore of endless shores children meet. The infinite sky is motionless overhead and the restless water is boisterous. On the seashore of endless worlds children meet with shouts and dances.
They build their houses with sand and they play with empty shells. With withered leaves they weave their boats and smilingly float them on the vast deep. Children have their play on the seashore of worlds.
They know not how to swim, they know not how to cast nets. Pearl fishers dive for pearls, merchants sail in their ships, while children gather pebbles and scatter them again. They seek not for hidden treasures, they know not how to cast nets.
The sea surges up with laughter and pale gleams the smile of the sea beach. Death-dealing waves sing meaningless ballads to the children, even like a mother while rocking her baby's cradle. The sea plays with children, and pale gleams the smile of the sea beach.
On the seashore of endless worlds is the great meeting of children....."

I reminder to live in the present and experience where we are now, not for what it will give us in the future, or relevance to the past, just because it is - just like children do!

Swirling Patterns of Life's Colours

2008-09-22T03:40:00.000-07:00

It's like I am watching myself in a movie. My life is unfolding before my own eyes and I am delighted. It's fascinating watching how new thing, new connection emerge. The colours of so many areas of my life are swirling together, no longer confined to certain compartments, they come together to make patterns and tessellations more wonderful that I could have ever imagined. Watch this space....

Mamma's Gone

2008-07-19T17:24:00.000-07:00

Mamma's gone, passed in her sleep.
Dadda's gone, operation incomplete.
What they have left is what lives in me,
my children, my siblings, their friends and community.

Yes, your Mum and Dad will be there,
Your brother Jack and family too.
Your best friends gathered
All to greet you.

Perhaps amongst the glow of reuniting
You'll turn around to face us
Saying, "Send my love to everyone,
I'll be waiting for you here, my loves."

2008-06-21T04:44:00.000-07:00

A lovely day, I had but one
Exchange of thought, meditation, group tw'one.
Simple pleasure, I think of you
Gratitude'l leisure, melancholy true.
- LGHY (21.06.08)

2008-05-14T19:11:00.000-07:00

I heard this lovely story, that basically goes like this:

There was a camel who wanted to become a ballet dancer. So she got a tutu and some ballet shoes and started to dance. Every day she practiced the 5 basic ballet movements, 100 times, each movement, each day. After a year of intense practice she decided it was time to have recital, to show all her family and friends what a great dancer she had become.

Well the show began and she put her heart and soul into the performance. At the end of her dance she took a deep long bow, but...there was silence. No applause.

One of the members of the audience stood up and said, "As a critic and a spokes person for this group I want to say that your performance was lumpy, bumpy, rough and to be honest, you are no dancer."

The camel smiled to herself and thought, "You are wrong. I know all the movements and I practice everyday. What's more, I love dancing."

The camel continued her dancing and loved it. She spent all her days enjoying her dance and it made her happy.

The moral of the story is this: it doesn't matter what other people think as long as you are doing what makes your heart sing that is all that matters.

Have a wonderful day!

100 Day Challenge

2008-05-02T02:30:00.000-07:00

Jessica, my first born, yesterday directed me to a fabulous cyber community at
www.cocreatingourreality.com.
Primarily it's about goal setting, journaling and encouraging others on the same journey. For the more technologically literate, they encourage video clips as well as daily blog entries.

Well worth checking it out, especially if want to be inspired.

LGHY

My Spiritual Journey

2008-05-02T02:25:00.000-07:00

As published in the May edition of
The Australian Christian
www.australianchristian.org.au

Why was the God of the Old Testament so different to the God of the New Testament? And why is the church not as accepting of the minority groups as Jesus was? And what about all those people who never heard about Jesus – are they going to hell because they were not in the right place at the right time? And what about Gandhi who admired Jesus and used similar principles to Jesus, but did not believe in Jesus as Messiah? And what about all those people born before Jesus – are they all going to end up in hell too?

These are the type of questions that worried me sick! I’d think about the responsibility I somehow seemed to be burdened with by God to preach to my friends and family. The notion that whether I did a good enough job or not in preaching to them meant they’d end up in heaven or hell! It truly made me feel physically ill!

Yet my love for God, and Jesus, and the Bible was intrinsically deep within me. I got my strength and my passion for life from those sources yet, simultaneously I suppressed the alleged responsibility for my loved ones’ salvation.

I was warned that it was a very dangerous thing to go to theological college. They are very liberal there you know! So I attended with a full complement of protection around me. At every instance where the theology of the lecturer began to conflict with my understanding of the Truth, I counter attacked with debate and Scriptural references. Some subjects such as Church History didn’t clash with my solid and perfectly boxed Theology and Christology, however most other subjects did.

I think the subject that changed my understanding most was studying the Scriptures in their original Greek language. My whole world began to crumble. Who was this God? Who was this Jesus? Who was I in all this?

Over the three year period when I was studying full-time, a whole new open-ended expression of God began to emerge. My theology changed from a God who was supreme judge, watching me at every moment to catch me out – especially when I didn’t take the opportunity to evangelise to my neighbours, friends or family; to a God whose love penetrates every person, every creature, every plant, and every mineral. I went from the anthropology of Original Sin to Original Blessing – that we are a blessing and sure we may mess up sometimes, but primarily God rejoices over us rather than condemns us. My understanding of God’s grace didn’t change, always being aware of God’s unfailing love, but before I still subconsciously felt that it was conditional on my behaviour, although it was always stated that God’s love was unconditional, there seemed to be fine print attached to it somewhere.

So after years of full-time theological studies, 2 years training as a Spiritual Director and being ½ way through a Master’s degree, where do I find myself now? I find myself excited and totally amazed by the grace of God - a grace that challenges us to be authentic in our journey; a grace that is with us in the muck and mire of life but also in the celebration and the festivities. I have discovered that God actually loves the real, warts-and-all Linda. Not just the Linda who tries hard to please; or the Linda who follows regular disciplines like communal worship and prayer; but the raw, sometimes uncultured, sometimes intuitive Linda.

I have tried to articulate it this way; every one of us has a unique heart-song that is sung in the depths of our inner being. It is not anyone else’s and although it is totally unique, it often harmonizes beautifully with the songs of others. It is totally the essence of you. It is underneath the ego, which often tries to protect it, (sometimes by using harsh amplification and sometimes by muting its true sound), however, it is truly the part of you that is created in God’s image.

Some groups of people may try to make our song fit with the corporate song of their organizations, and although there may be some parts of their tune that you do resonate with ours, the danger is that the group may drown out your unique sound which may not have the same timing as their song.

Some organizations say if your song doesn’t fit with ours, then your out! Maybe it’s to do with your sexual preference or your cultural norms, but in some places such phrases are not acceptable and such musicians are rejected from the band!

I believe that Jesus’ message was clearly about listening to the heart-songs of those who he journeyed with. He listened to the cry of the sick and the needy. He even knew the anguish of a poor woman who had been bleeding for 12 years – not through her words, but by the way she touched his robe!

Does this mean that all things are acceptable and everything is OK? No! Some actions hurt and disempower others and they are not harmonious and they cause dissonance and disconnectedness. To such people or organizations Jesus would speak their actions back to them, in hope that being touched by the light the darkness would diminish. He spoke most sternly to the religious leaders of his day, more than anyone else, pointing out their inconsistencies and heresies. However to individuals he got along side of them, listened to their stories and pointed a way back to harmony.

So where does this leave me now? It leaves me with a deep desire to journey with people in a way that gives them permission to express their true heart-song – that is whatever is authentic for them. A song that is not bound by peer pressure or by towing corporate line, but one that is in total resonance with its Creator. As I travel with so many people from different walks of life this is the consistent theme that presents over and over again. How can one offer friendship when they have never been truly befriended for who they really are? How can one offer forgiveness when he or she carries around so much self resentment and guilt of their own? How can we expect to live in peace when there is an internal war going on between the self that we think we should be and the self that we really are?

I may be naive, but I believe that as individuals begin to live in this space of self love and respect, allowing their true heart-song to sing, the world will actually be a better place to live! It is my desire and my passion to journey with people as they explore this eventuality. This is not some new philosophy by any means. In fact Jesus himself said, “Love your neighbour as yourself”. We’ve tried loving our neighbour first and it hasn’t worked. Loving ourselves is step 1, but the preparatory step is trusting that there is a force bigger than all of us whose desire is that we all be at peace and in loving harmony with each other - to trust that the Source did create us individually as extremely wonderful and unique being - that together we can all make up a magnificent orchestral symphony, with its incredibly interwoven textures of sound; high notes and low notes, loud and soft, whispers and shouts and through, above, below and in the midst of all that, we will find God who desires us to be truly authentic to our core-being. Perhaps the questions that can cloud the mind could be put aside for a time, to allow God to speak of them, directly to our inner being. And in that space, in partnership with God, our heart-song can sing the most beautiful song it can to the world.

How Do You Know God?

2008-04-29T20:46:00.001-07:00

(As published in the Southern Community Church of Christ Sentinel - May 4, 2008)

I have been at Southern for nearly two and a half years now. It takes time to get to know people. I have spent time with all of you, in some way or another. With some it has been a shake of the hand and a “How are you today?” With others I have sat in your homes and listened to the important stories of your past and the things that are pressing on you in the present. It takes time and intentional energy to get to know people.

It’s the same with God. God is all around us and influencing every aspect of our lives, but unless we take time to sit with and intentionally converse with God we can miss out on so much of what God has to offer.

At every funeral I have ever been to I have always learnt more about the person who has passed than I knew before hand. The wonderful stories of their lives are told with love and sense of treasure, by the loved ones of the person who has passed. They have spent intentional and intimate time with their loved ones and have walked the journey with them.

What if there was so much more that God wanted to offer you in your life, but because of busyness and lack of intentional relationship with God, you were missing it? What if you are carrying so much of the heaviness that life brings on your own shoulders, when Christ is right there, offering to make your burden light, yet you don’t see the invitation?

An invitation not accepted retains the gift intended. How do we know God? - by intentionally seeking God’s face; by intentionally being in relationship through community, prayer, worship, stillness, awe, unconditional love for each other…

“Be still, and know that I am God!” Psalm 46:10a

Linda Hannah Young

My Lost Identity!

2008-04-21T03:37:00.000-07:00

A few months ago my Passport was stolen at San Francisco Airport. After a harrowing experience of feeling like some sort of illegal alien, I was able to get an Emergency Passport and be on my way again. Last week I went to renew my Passport. After going through all the hoops of showing my birth certificate, marriage certificate and various other forms of proving my identity, I accidentally put down my folder whilst in a shop - again, my identity was once again lost.

After feeling pretty bad about it all I started to reflect on identity. Surely I am worth more than the papers that happen to inform the world of who I am! Have we been reduced to who we can prove ourselves to be?

Well unfortunately the papers have not been found and I don't know whether they ever will be, but one thing I do know is that we are all worth much more than any government, society or political system can reduce us to. I remember hearing John Lennon say that we as a society can't even go from one piece of land to another (Canada to USA) without silly bits of paper with funny rubber stamp imprints, anymore! "Imagine!"

Many thanks...

2008-04-14T05:27:00.000-07:00

Thank you to all who have contributed to both my blog and my home email address. Your love and encouragement has been overwhelming.

Participated in a beautiful Open Heart Meditation last Sunday. The main message of the meditation was to always remember to smile - to smile at your heart and expect the Source of Truth to reveal something new to you. It resonated greatly with my exploration about the notion of us all having our Unique Heart-Song. A song co-written with our Creator that only we can sing to the world. When we learn how to let those melodic vibrations of our heart out to the world, it will merge with true heart-songs sung by so many others, to make this world a beautiful place.

I love the thought of being co-creators with God in bringing about harmony to the planet.

Stay tuned for more as this story continues to emerge.........

REVIEW: A Note for Children: an Imaginative Journey into Music

2008-04-11T22:27:00.000-07:00

By Cheryl M.Reifsnyder, Ph.D.

(Reviewer and 1st place winner in the children's division
of the 2007 PPWC Writers Contest.)

Styled as a friendly letter from a worldwide traveler, A Note for Children introduces children to the whimsical land of “Treble Clef.” There, author Linda Hannah Young creates appealing and memorable characters who demonstrate a variety of simple rhythmic notations—such as the quarter note, Mr. Crotchet, who only walks (walk-walk-walk-walk,) and the half note, Ms. Minim, who only slides (sli-ide—sli-ide.) The imaginative character descriptions are coupled with colorful, computer-enhanced watercolor visuals and simple memory aids that will help children to learn and remember the meanings of different types of rests, notes, and more. Each concept is accompanied by a simple song that lets children experiment with their new music knowledge.

The book’s playful characters and stories grew from Young’s ten-plus years’ experience teaching music. Through story, she translates abstract musical concepts into appealing language and examples that children will understand and remember. Parents and educators will find this book an invaluable tool for introducing children to the basics of music notation. For students ready for additional challenge, the text is sprinkled with more advanced concepts and symbols to explore. Accompanying features include simple songs that reinforce learning points and a glossary of musical terms. The book’s end hints at a broader world of music, still awaiting the reader’s discovery.

http://www.anoteforchildren.com/

A Fresh Note...

2008-04-11T21:54:00.000-07:00

Hey Everyone,

This is my first attempt at blogging. I am excited by all this new technology and it's quite a challenge attempting to learn it all.

I must say, although I have always been a 'vote swinger' I am so proud of Kevin Rudd and his comments about Tibet. He demonstrates that it is possible for politicians to be truthful and diplomatic at the same time. It just seems so unjust that a huge country like China should need to intimidate a small, passive country such as Tibet. Go Kev!

Please feel free to add your comments and keep the conversation going...

Linda