Hello Doctor…

Some the things I get to do with my since retirement are most important to me. My friend Kasim Al-Mashat recently faced his final oral examination for the Degree of Doctor of Philosophy for Counselling Psychology.

These examinations are open to the public! What a great way to hear what the thinkers of today are bringing to the world.

Kasim and Hunter

These folk are the Stephen Pinkers and Elizabeth Gilberts of our future.

Kasim believs that healing occurs in community and talked about post-traumatic growth. Individuals can healing within community, and communities as groups can heal. My healing takes place when I release my own grudges towards others.

His use of narrative inquiry (storytelling) made his presentation enjoyable and understandable: Dream of the Hanging Gardens: Iraqi Refugees and Exiles in Jordan, Their Migration and Adaptation Experiences. This is a presentation I would like to hear again.

Some thoughts I was left to ponder:

• Coping is incorporating action
• What is the role of employment in the transition phase?
• How do I honor the experiences of others?
• Am I transparent of my biases?
• What do I really understand about social justice in the context of voices of people who are tweeting, Facebooking or blogging?
  What is viral media?

Date Night at the Chef’s Table

What to do that is just a little bit different from the run of the mill “take her to dinner” date?

American Grille Amuse

The Marriott Vancouver Airport’s Junior Sous Chef, Michael Gonzales presented in the month of June Date Night Chef’s Table at the American Grille.

What a treat. A delicious menu that included visits from Chef Mike to our table. He took us through our special menu course by course. I think the Amuse (appie) was my favorite. With the prosaic name of Grilled Cheese Sandwich, this delicious brioche sandwiched cambozola cheese and was topped with fresh bruschetta.

That heavenly first bite was followed by Coconut and Saffron Veloute Fritter of Mussel and Chive Blossom. The best fritter this side of Digby Harbour.

Our third course of braised lamb shank was infused with Chef Mike’s secret ingredient. (You’ll have to ask him). Such a generous portion led me to asking for a doggie bag. There is something about noshing leftovers that is always a special treat. Like extending the date.

Dessert came and I was glad I had worn a “relaxed” dress. Mmmmm a Peach Melba with a creative touch of streusel crumble. I told Chef that if I worked in his kitchen the crumble wouldn’t be safe. I’d be munching it and leave none for the customers.

While the Date Night run is over, watch for their next promotion. As always, the American Grille at the Marriott was worth the trip.
Enjoyd

Long Term Vision 80% in just 6 years!

I went through my Long Term Vision guide this afternoon. One that I wrote in March 2005 while being coached by Andrew Barber-Starkey of Procoach Success Systems. 

Wow! Can you believe that about 80% of my intentions have come to pass.

In being able to look back over these past 6 years, I have to say that it is miraculous.  And an integral part of my process was having a coach.

Some of the successes?

• Business and Career – I work and travel in comfort around the globe
  
• Money & Finance – I feel confident and proud of my financial achievements
• Primary Relationship – Wow! I have the most wonderful and supportive partner
• Family & Friends – Family and I have found a happy place to meet
• Recreation & Lifestyle – I am given gifts of clothing and gems and watches (all top of the line) and in turn am able to give the same
• Personal Development – I have grown to a depth and understanding that I could not conceive of in 2005
• Contribution – I sometimes give $$ but often fund spiritual development, arts, education in business, etc by giving my time and sharing knowledge
• Spiritual Connection – Doesn’t the above say it all?

Karissa Tynes – A Woman to Watch

Years ago, a little toddler caught my eye as her dad and I performed at a Highland Game in Victoria, BC.

From her first role as one of the children of The Old Woman Who Lived In A Shoe with Monkeyshine Theatre, she has now held a supporting role in a Disney film “Sixteen Wishes.”

Today this “toddler” is building a career of her dreams to become a successful actress, balanced, with integrity, and joy in her art.

Here is an interview from Celebrity Interviews blog.

Wishing Karissa the best in a career with integrity, creativity, exploration and joy.

Mr Tsai – To My Vancouver Friends

From the Collection of Letters of Mr. Tsai

[Letter Collection]

(1) In fact, spiritual enlightenment as the ultimate goal for spiritual cultivation presents itself in two different perspectives. For people of old souls (see note below), it refers to the state of nirvana, the established quality in soul that no longer bears cause for rebirth in the relative realms of existence; for those of not-old-souls, it indicates the supreme Wisdom in mind that on the one hand enables a person to be able to accept all conditions in the relative life without grievance and on the other hand also be able to always constructively create for improvement of the wellbeing and happiness of life from where he/she is of the personal karmic conditions and particularly also in accord with the agenda of his/her soul evolution.

[NOTE] Soul evolution speaks of the journey of a soul that enters the relative realms of existence from the absolute, ventures upon all aspects of life experiences of goodness and bitterness through reincarnations and then returns back to the absolute. Humans of young soul reflect in life much more enthusiasm for the Three Passions (physical and mental wellbeing and happiness) than the Five Essences (spiritual wellbeing and happiness) of their inherent nature, while those of old soul show the opposite.

(Regarding the relationship between soul evolution and karma, we will talk about it when there is a chance in the future.)
 
    For attaining nirvana, the old souls tend to be well responsive to the practice of depreciating all aspects of wellbeing and happiness in physical and mental levels for the sake of those of the spiritual level, particularly of the Essence #5 (belief in the unknown spiritual beyond). The practices concerned not only include long hours of meditation or prayer on daily basis, but also very strict precepts in everyday life to refrain from attachment to the goodness of physical and mental levels. For nirvana, old souls will have to practice to reach such a state that they don’t feel to enjoy the goodness of anything of the relative aspect of life, of which the achievement of arhat-hood is the highest model.
 


Women of Intrigue at Science of Being

I have a friend, Brenda who is launching herself like a bird in first flight. She has her eye on the sky rather than the hard ground. This is going to be grand! This woman of Intrigue is offering Gift of the Goddess – “Celebrating the Divine”.

She is the first sister of the Travelling Goddess. Pictures. to. come.

If you live on the Pacific Northwest stop on by…Maybe I’ll see you there.