Only 7 days to go until my latest book, The Gift of Acceptance, is available in book shops around Australia!

TGOA is published by Allen and Unwin under their inspired living imprint and I am so excited to share a more intimate part of my journey with everyone in this book.

It was great to be able to take some advance copies to the USA a few weeks ago, where I was speaking at the Chopra Centre’s SynchroDestiny course. I ran out of books and unfortunately it isn’t available there yet, but I am working on that!

For those interested in meeting up with me and hearing more about TGOA, I will be appearing at the following locations:

EVENTS

The Bookshop, Bowral – 6pm March 15

Dean Swift Books, Nowra – 11am March 16

Harbour Bookshop, Ulladulla – 3pm March 16

Brown’s Books, Bateman’s Bay  – 11.30am March 17

I will also be appearing on the following radio programs, ( I will post exact times beforehand)

[National] ABC Radio National Life Matters – interview (Feb 27)

[NSW/QLD] 2SM Weekends – interview (Feb 29)

[WA] 6PR Nightline with Graham Mabury – interview (Feb 29)

[WA] Curtin FM  – interview (Feb 28)

We are also working on Tasmania and Perth and I will add to this list as we get closer to the date!

If you are interested in me visiting your area you can contact my publicist, Anna Haywood, at Allen and Unwin. I know she would love to hear from you!

Anna Hayward T: (02) 8425 0139 | M: 0417 473 663

In a few weeks I will be heading over to the USA to join the final SynchroDestiny course at the Chopra centre in Carlsbad, California. I attended the course four years ago in Portland, Oregon, and it was a magical experience.

I set my intention at that time that I would one day come back and speak at a Chopra event. In perfect timing, the universe conspired around this and now, in 2012, I am giving my keynote presentation and sharing my life story with everyone there.

This will be my first speaking engagement in the USA and I am really looking forward to it! I will also be doing a book signing and may even have a few copies of my new book, The Gift of Acceptance, to give away. ( It is due for release in Australia at the end of February )

Spaces are limited, so if you are ready for a life-changing experience make sure you reserve your spot and I will see you there!

SycroDestiny Course Information (pdf)

At SynchroDestiny, you will learn how to access your hidden potential, recognize the possibilities that are always unfolding around you, and create what you want with effortless ease. SynchroDestiny will give you the tools and inspiration to move to the next phase of success and fulfillment.

Being on the professional speaking circuit has given me so many opportunities to travel not only around my own country but to many overseas destinations as well. Last year, in the space of a few short months, I have traveled to Singapore, Fiji, New Zealand, the USA and France.

While in Singapore I was presenting a keynote presentation and workshop to a group of medical professionals from India. “Do you change your presentation for a non-English speaking audience?” a friend asked before I left. “Not at all” I explained, “I will speak a bit more slowly, but as far as the message goes….it is universal.”

However, it was in Singapore that I was going to learn one of my greatest lessons in a profound way, that it is never too late to start life over again.

Arriving at the airport, I was met by Ali, my host. He would be looking after me during my four day stay, he said, as well as my private driver, Peter. They would be at my disposal to take me wherever I needed to go in Singapore, whether it be sightseeing or shopping. When I travel, I am so used to looking after myself, that I was grateful for this gesture of friendship.

I spent four wonderful days with Ali and Peter. They took me to a large shopping centre as I needed a new computer and made sure I got a real bargain. We went sightseeing and visited the iconic Shangra-la where I tasted my first Singapore sling, shelled peanuts and also indulged in the famous, ‘High tea’, something not to be missed when visiting Singapore!

The presentation was a success and I finally packed my bag to head for the airport and back to Australia. Sitting in the back of the limo with Ali, I thought he was joking when he suggested I write a book about Peter’s life. “He has an amazing story” he said, “It would make a great book.” I was amazed and enthralled by the story he told me.

Peter had been a member of the secret service in Singapore, dealing in drugs and the underworld, where survival became man against man. He became involved from the age of 15 and when finally caught and convicted, spent 15 years behind bars.

Peter told me that he would have got the death penalty instead of time had his father had not been a member of the police.

I was shocked to hear of his ‘other’ life, and the things he was made to do as initiation into the secret society. All I could do was listen in disbelief that this gentle man I had spent the past four days with could really have led a life that was so violent.

When I asked him how he managed to turn his life around, he explained that he simply fell in love. “I have a young daughter now, he said, “and every day I go to work, I kiss her goodbye and know I have to come home to her.”

My mind raced, “Ali, how did your company ever have the trust to hire Peter after such a notorious history?” I asked, knowing it must have been such a difficult path for all involved.

“Well, in Singapore, we believe everybody deserves a second chance,” he answered.

Wow, I thought, what a wonderful lesson in forgiveness, acceptance and trust.

With that, I noticed that Peter was playing with some beads around his wrist; I asked him what they were.  He explained that they were his prayer beads, the same ones he wore in jail and when he was in the secret society.

“Ali, can we stop at the markets on the way to the airport so I can buy some?” I asked.

Peter didn’t hesitate; he pulled the beads from around his wrist and passed them to me. “Oh Peter, I can’t take your beads.”

“In Buddhism, we believe it is good to give something away.” he explained, ” it is the cycle of life.”

I now wear those very beads, worn by this man, as a reminder that everyone, no matter who they are, deserves a second chance…and that it is never too late to start over and create a new future.

“Nobody can go back and start a new beginning, but anyone can start today and make a new ending.” – Maria Robinson

Six years after my accident, my right arm began to ache. In fact, it was so painful that I thought it could possibly be a stress fracture.

“Don’t worry”, the doctor told me, “probably just a strain, try to rest it.” she said.

I had a baby to care for at the time, so resting an arm was out of the question. It got to the point where I couldn’t even lift a teacup. “Do you think we should have it x-rayed?” I finally asked on my third visit to her.

We did, and to everyone’s surprise, my right arm was broken! “How could this be possible?” I asked, “after all this time!” 

As it turned out, my arm was still broken when I left the spinal ward after almost six months! I then needed more surgery to fuse the bone together with a metal plate.

“Didn’t it hurt?” was the question most people asked. Well of course it did, but so did everything else in my body! After all, what is a little old broken arm when the rest of my injuries reads like a list of horrors…broken neck and back in six places, five broken ribs, broken collarbone, broken arm (still!) broken bones in feet, head injuries, major lacerations to legs, torso, massive blood loss…the list goes on.

I tell this story to illustrate a point. Many people have tweeted me over the past few weeks asking me to blog about pain, something I feel I have the credentials to do confidently. I thought about my arm and all those years it was broken without me knowing, and the things I did with a broken arm. Not only did I learn to fly and get my commercial pilots licence, but also I flew aerobatics, which required me to pull on the stick of the aircraft with quite a bit of G-force…all with my broken arm!

Yes, it hurt, but I was so focused on flying and getting my life back, that it didn’t bother me. It wasn’t until I slowed down that it got my attention. By that stage I had accepted that pain was a part of my life, so I just got on with what I had to do, which was flying, and I learn’t to channel my pain in another way.

I live with chronic pain on a daily basis and I have developed ways to deal with it, and to maintain a quality of life that means it does not exclude me from doing anything I want to do.

While pain is never desirable, we can however use it for valuable lessons in life. I have chosen to see my injuries and pain as a symbol of what my life represents, and it has given me the most extraordinary opportunities for inner growth and freedom.

Let me say that pain is a complex issue and we need to distinguish between the two types of pain, physiological and mental/emotional. As emotional reactions to pain differ from person to person, much of our mental anguish comes from our desire to suppress our pain. The more we fight against it, the greater it becomes, and the more energy we give it. In the words of Carl Jung, “What you resist persists”. So rather than focus on my pain, I focus on my wellness and what my body allows me to do. 

French Buddhist monk and scholar, Matthieu Ricard writes about pain and suffering from the Buddhist perspective and details various methods to manage pain. Use of mental imagery, awakening oneself to love and compassion and developing inner strength are all ways to transform ones mind. I have, at varying times, used all three as well as other methods. 

There may not be a ‘cure’ for chronic pain, but from experience, I know that it need not prevent us from leading a fulfilling life or prevent us from achieving inner freedom. In the end, our attitude is the best pain management tool we have.

“We must embrace pain and burn it as fuel for our journey.” ~Kenji Miyazawa

A few years ago, I woke up early and a thought popped into my head…I really want to go to India!

After making my morning cup of tea, I sat down at my computer to check my emails. The first one that appeared on my desktop was from India. Wow! Unbelievable!

The process of manifestation is something that fascinates me, and my use of intention, and attention, is a tool I use in my life everyday. It’s how I learned to walk, and fly. However, the speed of this request took me by surprise. It was almost instantaneous!

The email began as follows….

I’m fascinated by what I’ve seen on your website. I would like to explore the opportunity of working together which could include speaking engagements and/or publishing your book(s) in the Indian market.

I was blown away! The sender introduced himself as Prakash Idnani, and detailed his background and business in India. Bubbling with excitement, I replied to his email and that was the beginning of not only a wonderful partnership but a great friendship too.

The first speaking engagement I did for Prakash was to an audience of 500 Indian delegates on the Gold Coast. It was an absolutely awesome experience. This was my very first presentation to a non-English speaking crowd, and when I received a standing ovation at the end of my talk, I was completely overwhelmed, and humbled by the reaction.

I spent hours mixing with the delegates afterwards, who showered me with cards and invitations to visit them in their homes in India. I was really touched by the hospitality

Since that event, Prakash has also taken me to Singapore to give a workshop to an Indian audience, and we are inching our way closer to mainland India everyday. (The speaking circuit is still in its infancy over there)

After that, Prakash sent me a request for me to write an article for one of India’s top business magazines called, The Smart Manager. The magazine was fascinated by my story and wanted me to write an article on how traditional knowledge systems like medicine are eventually no match to your self-knowledge.

The result of that was an article I wrote called, ‘The Quest- A Personal Perspective.’ Click on the picture below to read it.

The Road to India

P.S I particularly love the picture they designed for my article. When I showed it to my 12 year old son he said, “Excuse me, I have an appointment with God!” – Very funny!

For all enquires in India -

Prakash Idnani
The Seminar Company,
9 State Bank Street, Mount Road,
Madras 600 002, India
Email: idnani3@vsnl.com
Phone: +91-98840-30830 (mobile)

As a regular reader, and admirer, of Brene Brown’s blogs, I recently came across one that caught my attention. Brene had posted pictures done by an artist named Colleen Stevenson. She had made graphic recordings of a talk that she had given on Inspired Leadership to Fraser Health.

Brene said she was blown away by them and when she asked her how she decides on what gets recorded and what doesn’t, she replied, “I listen for the hush and intense quiet. These are the moments.”

I couldn’t help but reflect on a similar experience I had recently when I was giving a presentation to the organisation, Workcover in Adelaide.

There I caught up with fellow speaker and friend, Glenn Capelli.  Glen is the creative guru! He is a motivational speaker, author, songwriter, radio and television presenter. You can learn more about Glenn from his website, www.glencapelli.com

After my presentation, Glenn sent me copies of the graphic recordings he had done on my talk. It blew me away! I loved it and posted it on my Facebook page for my friends to see.

It reminded me of the mind maps I often use when I give workshops. I find they get the creative juices flowing, as do Glenn’s drawings. It also showed me that everyone takes something different from my presentations, and it was fun to see Glenn’s perspective and how he interpreted my messages.

Enjoy!

On my way home from visiting my dad in hospital today, I turned the radio on and tuned in to my local radio station. Craig Harper’s (Motivational speaker) motivational segment was on and he was talking about Christmas.

Basically, he was talking about relationships and what was important at this time of year. He talked a little about communication with family members and how important it was to think about what really needed to be discussed on this particular day. Perhaps some things best left for a more appropriate time.

However, it was what Craig said about his own personal experience that really caught my attention. He mentioned that the past few years he has volunteered at various places serving lunch to the homeless. Growing up as a single child perhaps had something to do with his, he said, but nevertheless, he felt that making Christmas all about serving others made it a much more special day for him.

What a great piece of advice, I thought. OK, not everyone is in a position to volunteer on Christmas day, either due to family or work commitments. However, making the Christmas period all about service doesn’t have to come down to one single day.

Perhaps we could make the entire month of December a month of service? Now there’s a thought!

I Googled some different ways to help out for Christmas and found this wonderful site (ourcommunity.com.au/christmastips) with lots of great ways to give back to the community over Christmas.  If you have anymore great ideas, I would love to hear them.

Donate to your Favourite Community Group Online Through GiveNow

Make a quick and secure donation without leaving your chair. More than 1400 appeals have been listed for donations online at the commission-free GiveNow at www.givenow.com.au. Join the more than 60,000 individuals and businesses who have already given more than $11 million to community groups using this service! You can browse for groups, or search for a group or cause you support

Send a Cheque

If you don’t have a credit card, or if you just feel more comfortable signing your name on your donations, post a cheque to your favourite community group. Many community groups hold appeals in the lead-up to Christmas and appreciate any gift, no matter how small. Many groups will also happily take credit card donations over the phone. Take the time to tell them why you’re donating. Ask them where your donations will be used.

Ask your Friends to Give Money, not Presents

If you’re one of the many people who already has most things they need (and many you don’t), ask your friends not to give you a Christmas present this year but instead donate the money to a community group you nominate. It’ll make for a more meaningful Christmas than another pair of novelty socks or set of hankies.

For more inspiring Christmas Tips for sharing and giving -  go to http://www.ourcommunity.com.au/christmastips

In your own personal way, I hope you find a service that will bring a little bit of magic into the lives of others.

And on that note….If you have any great ideas that you would like to share,  I would love to hear them.

Below is the link to the great work that Cherie Blair is doing in her foundation for Women programme. (cherieblairfoundation.org) She shared this with us during her presentation in Amsterdam at the Talent to the Top conference.

This great video explains how the Women’s Mentoring Women in Business Programme works in Africa, Asia and the Middle East.

Perhaps you have particular skills that you could contribute? If so, why not be a mentor to women around the world who need you!

On Stage | Talent to the Top

Just a few thoughts on my amazing adventure speaking in Amsterdam to the Dutch organisation, Talent to the Top.

After a long (24 hour) flight from Australia, I managed to get a few hours of restless sleep before the day of the conference. As I was being picked up from the hotel at midday, I spent the morning walking around the city, exploring the landmarks and soaking up the atmosphere.

By the time I arrived at the venue, it was almost midnight my time and I was starting to feel pretty tired. After my av checks were completed I took my seat in the front row and enjoyed the Dutch magician, George Parker weave his magic.

Janine Shepherd and Cherie Blair

Cherie Blair was the next speaker and I was to follow her. I was told that she probably wouldn’t join us in the front row and would only appear moments before she was due to go onstage. I was pleasantly surprised when she ducked down in front of me and took the empty seat.

“Hi”, she whispered, as she turned and smiled to me. She was bubbly and warm and we shared a few words quietly before joining in on George’s activities.

Cherie’s presentation was inspiring and informative. She talked about her life and work with her foundation (cherieblair.org) and shared many funny stories of life as first lady.

When it was my time to take the stage, it was 2am my body clock time and I was starting to feel pretty dizzy. All I can say is…thank God for adrenalin….and chocolate!

Once I got on stage, automatic pilot set in and I was off. I had concerns about the language barrier, and even though I knew the Dutch spoke fantastic English; I wasn’t sure they would get my ‘funny’ Australian accent or my humour. As it turned out, I had nothing to worry about.

At one point, the audience broke out into spontaneous applause, which confirmed my belief that the ideas I am sharing are universal and reach out to all people regardless of where they live.

When I finished my presentation, I spent some time signing books and mingling with the audience. Dizzy with fatigue, I sat and chatted with the delegates. I was completely taken by the warmth and generosity of the Dutch people.

At one point, a lady named Karen, took off her necklace and put it around my neck. “You have to have this”, she told me, “My brother sent it to me from Canada and I felt I had to give it to you.” I was deeply touched by her gesture and treasure this necklace as a reminder of our connection.

What lesson did I learn from my time in Amsterdam?

I deepened my understanding on the interconnectedness between us all. After listening to Brene Brown speak about connection, I know that when you have the courage to share your story with authenticity and vulnerability, you connect with people from your whole heart, and when we do that, we all speak the same language.

“It is only with the heart that one can see rightly; what is essential is invisible to the eye.”

Antoine de Saint-Exupery