Core Development

Recently my wife and I attended a Buddhist Chinese New Year Ceremony in Eastwood.

We  enjoyed the emphasis that was placed on accepting everyone’s beliefs, with no attempt to persuade or convert anyone, and on encouraging people to cooperate and take action to help one another, especially those most in need. For me, this created a most welcome climate change – a change from the all too common climate of judgement and expectations, where people are judged,and valued or devalued,  according to their beliefs, their outward appearance, and their perceived status in society.

Of course when we talk about Climate Change these days we usually refer to the changes in weather and our concerns about global warming and the potentially devastating effects that this could have, and indeed is already having, on our planet.

A very interesting comment that was made at this ceremony is that, if we direct our efforts at helping each other and working together regardless of our religious, political and other beliefs, people will be happier, there will be less greed, less poverty, less fighting and wars , and all this will lead to a more harmonious environment and will naturally result in a reduction in environmental pollution and other actions that are harmful to our planet – and therefore to all who live on this planet!

What eminent good sense this makes to me!

Perhaps one day we will drop the slogans and the rhetoric. Perhaps, instead of directing so much of our efforts and resources at trying to get others to adhere to our points of view, we will be willing to say to each other “ we want to live in harmony with you, what can we do?” and then be prepared to really listen…

Perhaps then we will see the changes in the world that we all hope for.

Donald Marmara  www.coredevelopment.com.au Ph 02 9413 9794

One thing that parents and most people who work with children have in common is that you put your children first. Whilst this, of course, is natural and praiseworthy, it is also important to remember that the better shape you’re in, the more effective you are in helping your children.

This can be one of the most difficult things to do. Remember the aircraft cabin crew’s instructions before take-off, when they demonstrate the safety equipment? That if the air pressure drops you put on YOUR oxygen mask first, then help your children put on theirs? Whilst this goes against your instincts, you cannot be of much help to your children if you stop breathing!!

OK, so now that you realise how important it is to keep yourself in the best possible shape to help your children, here are some practical suggestions that I hope you will find helpful:

Firstly, remember that prevention is better than cure. It is also usually easier and cheaper! Whilst this is obvious, we all need to be reminded of the obvious at times – I know I do.

Here are some suggestions to help you :

1. Have regular medical and dental check-ups.
2. Regular exercise and a balanced diet are important in maintaining good health. Whilst this is easier said than done especially if you have young children, eat slowly.
3. Listen to your body. It pays to take just a few minutes each day to sit or lie quietly and simply feel what’s happening in your body. Observe how you’re breathing, notice any particular tensions. Doing this on a regular basis increases your chances of detecting signs of stress at an early stage, so you can take corrective action before they cause serious damage.
4. Find out what works for you, as what stresses one person may be relaxing for someone else.
5. At the beginning of your day, take a minute to ask yourself:

“What is one thing I can do today– or decide not to do today – to make my day easier and less stressful?” Choose something simple, that you can be confident of doing.

Even the longest journey begins with a single step!

6.Ask for help when you need it – it is a sign of strength not weakness to ask for help.

I hope you find these suggestions useful.

Remember that your children want you to be well and happy just as much as you want them to be. The better shape you’re in, the better it is for your children.

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If you want less stress and more energy,  Call 02 9413 9794 or 0412 178 234