Dame Malvina Major

Lucia and I went to Paihia yesterday, completing a beautiful four hour hike – the Paihia-Oromohoe crossing. It was a cool, windy and partly overcast day, ideal conditions for a long summer hike. We finished off the day by attending pre-Waitangi Dayfestivities at the Waitangi Treaty grounds, being treated to the beautiful voices and professional presence of two of New Zealand’s top performers—Dame Malvina Major and Frankie Stevens.We sat on the ground scarcely three metres from Prime Minister John Key and Governor-GeneralLt Gen Rt Hon Sir Jerry Mateparae.

Frankie Stevens

I had wondered when we arrived why there were so many security personnel around. In which other country can one sit so close to its leaders in such an informal setting? Frankie Stevens spoke of the current (some would say growing) tensions between Maori and Pakeha here in New Zealand. He reminded us that Maori and Pakeha have always helped each other and he trusts that in the end we will move beyond present difficulties and allow common sense to prevail. Tensions have escalated as the Treaty settlement process continues with Maori throughout the country gaining back sovereignty over some of their ancestral land. Fair enough. I also believe many of our problems relate to entrenched and generational unemployment and I still believe much of that is due to our policies of exporting jobs to Asia.

Anyway, the closing duet of Dame Malvina and Frankie singing a song she trademarked with New Zealand musical icon Sir Howard Morrison was extremely touching.

It is days like yesterday that remind me of why I love my life and the place in which we live. Time in the beauty of nature mixed with the beauty of the human voice and spirit exemplified by talented performers. What more would you want?

CLICK BELOW TO:

Subscribe to In Search of Simplicity by Email

Radio host, inspirational speaker and health educator John Haines is the author of In Search of Simplicity: A True Story that Changes Lives and the recently released Beyond the Search, books to lift the spirit and touch the heart. See http://www.JohnHainesBooks.com

“In Search of Simplicity is a unique and awe-inspiring way to re-visit and even answer some of the gnawing questions we all intrinsically have about the meaning of life and our true, individual purpose on the planet. I love this book.”

Barbara Cronin, Circles of Light. For the complete review visit: http://www.circlesoflight.com/blog/in-search-of-simplicity/

“In Search of Simplicity is one of those rare literary jewels with the ability to completely and simultaneously ingratiate itself into the mind, heart and soul of the reader.”

Heather Slocumb, Apex Reviews

Peter Grassby in the Mangonui Hall

More Mischief and Mayhem in Mangonui

Mangonui Céilí co-founder Fiona McGrory describes him as a ‘one-stop shop for entertainment.’ U.K. based Pete Grassby—consummate singer, songwriter, recording artist, accordion repairer, Morris dancer and dance caller—is back in New Zealand for his annual tour. He’ll be joined by one of his U.K. bands, Grasshoppers, for the Auckland folk festival later this month. Several years ago he toured Aotearoa with another of his bands, Aardvarks. One wonders what he would call a New Zealand band should he dare to establish one. Sand Flies?

This entertainer extraordinaire will be hosting the next Céilí (‘Kay-lee’) at the Mangonui Hall on the waterfront on Saturday, January 21^st. The Céilí begins at 7.30pm. But be sure to get there early. It is always standing room only when Pete Grassby hosts a céilí. Not only will Mr. Grassby call an oft-humorous variety of dances and play melodeon, he’ll sing a song or three. Grassby’s wit and charm ensure that everyone, including those who just come along to watch, have a great time. Pete Grassby will be backed up for this céilí by the regular talented Mangonui Céilí band, Spootiskerry Spraoi, affectionately called ‘Spoots.’ Admission is, as always, $3 per adult plus a plate for supper. Accompanied children are free.

Pete Grassby is available for gigs and house parties, as well as repairs of squeeze boxes during his limited time in the Far North and can be contacted at pdgrassby@fsmail.net

To purchase Pete’s CDs contact him by email as well.

Here’s the complete interview:

And here are three of the six tracks we played in the interview:

Trowie Byrn (John Stickle)  Track 12 on Cilan:

Nan’s Waltz (Pat Shuldham Shaw) Track 3 on Malvern Hills:

Scarborough Fair (Traditional arranged by Pete Grassby) Track 5 on Cilan

CLICK BELOW TO:

Subscribe to In Search of Simplicity by Email

Radio host, inspirational speaker and health educator John Haines is the author of In Search of Simplicity: A True Story that Changes Lives and the recently released Beyond the Search, books to lift the spirit and touch the heart. See http://www.JohnHainesBooks.com

“In Search of Simplicity is a unique and awe-inspiring way to re-visit and even answer some of the gnawing questions we all intrinsically have about the meaning of life and our true, individual purpose on the planet. I love this book.”

Barbara Cronin, Circles of Light. For the complete review visit: http://www.circlesoflight.com/blog/in-search-of-simplicity/

“In Search of Simplicity is one of those rare literary jewels with the ability to completely and simultaneously ingratiate itself into the mind, heart and soul of the reader.”

Heather Slocumb, Apex Reviews

Wherever you go, there you are.

No one knows for sure who said the above but  when I first read the quote it seemed obvious and rather silly.

Then, the more I thought about it, the more profound it became.

It applies to more than to where you physically go, it also applies to where your thoughts go.

Wherever you go this year, there you are.

Yes indeed.

Be well, wherever you go.

My thanks to my friend John for passing on this message. Be present and happy in 2012.

CLICK BELOW TO:

Subscribe to In Search of Simplicity by Email

Radio host, inspirational speaker and health educator John Haines is the author of In Search of Simplicity: A True Story that Changes Lives, a startlingly poignant and inspiring real-life endorsement of the power of thought, belief and synchronicity in one’s life.

“In Search of Simplicity is a unique and awe-inspiring way to re-visit and even answer some of the gnawing questions we all intrinsically have about the meaning of life and our true, individual purpose on the planet. I love this book.”

Barbara Cronin, Circles of Light. For the complete review visit: http://www.circlesoflight.com/blog/in-search-of-simplicity/

“In Search of Simplicity is one of those rare literary jewels with the ability to completely and simultaneously ingratiate itself into the mind, heart and soul of the reader.”

Heather Slocumb, Apex Reviews

The first movie is called Love and the Art of Giving. It was made by British filmmaker Simon Eugene. It covers a journey he made to India in November 2007 to interview Swami Satchyananda, founder of the Bihar School of Yoga, and his disciple Paramahansa Niranjananda at an ancient annual holy tantric festival during which mostly poor local villagers are given much. It is a beautiful colourful celebration in which boys and girls sing and dance and receive Prasad.

The second documentary, Call off the Search, a film by Jim Lemkin and David Godman, covers a 1993 visit to the ashram of H.W.L. Poonja, endearingly known as Papaji. The filmmakers approached Papaji and said, ‘Papaji, we want to make a film about your teachings.’ His response: ‘Very good. I have always wanted to know what my teachings are. Now you are making a film about them. I can watch it and find out.’ These words epitomize the light-hearted approach of this man who experienced his inner nature as a boy and then became a devotee of Krishna, travelling all over India in search of a teacher who could help him to regain that early inner awakening he so longed for. His search was over when he landed at the ashram of the great Indian Master Sri Ramana Maharshi. After realising his Self in the presence of that master of silence he spent the rest of his life helping others discover that which they sought. I summarize below a few gems gleaned from these films. I trust you are as inspired by them as I have been.

If you can’t see God in all, you can’t see God at all.

When we give unconditionally, we open a space in which we can receive.

To ‘fall in love’ is a sensory experience in which mind is involved and we expect to gain something from the other. When we ‘rise in love’ we do so without the interference of the intellect, of the mind. Then true love manifests and we share the joy of that love.

What you are searching for is very close. You should see it in every blade of grass and in the tallest of trees, in all of creation.

To surrender is not so difficult but the part of you which resists this is the part which wants to control.

The time is always right for enlightenment.

If you empty yourself first, then mantra and chanting can lift you to a plane beyond understanding to a place of pure experience. Thus, transformation requires a movement from knowledge to experience.

Without purification there cannot be meditation.

Life is like a flower. The appreciation of life is called love.

In the film on Papaji, Ramana Maharshi reminded Papaji to look beyond the form of Krishna he had devoted himself to for 25 years. He said that whatever appears and disappears is not real. It was in hearing this in the presence of this renowned master that Papaji realised the Self. A few gems from Papaji:

Teaching is preaching.

His advice: Don’t listen to any advice because advice belongs to the past.

His advice: Keep quiet. Stop trying. When asked: ‘Many have tried to keep quiet without success,’ he responded: ‘Then give up the intention of keeping quiet.’

Every being in the world is peace itself.

Look inside for even one second. Don’t seek. Don’t find. You will see you are peace itself.

If you must seek anything at all seek only freedom. Affirm: I Am free. I Am already free.

Keep still and know I Am That.

When anybody laughs he has no thought, there is no mind, and there is no suffering. It is the mind that suffers. Therefore laugh away your problems.

Who is the other? You are not apart from me. You are in my heart. Wake up from the dream and all suffering will end.

CLICK BELOW TO:

Subscribe to In Search of Simplicity by Email

Radio host, inspirational speaker and health educator John Haines is the author of In Search of Simplicity: A True Story that Changes Lives, a startlingly poignant and inspiring real-life endorsement of the power of thought, belief and synchronicity in one’s life.

“In Search of Simplicity is a unique and awe-inspiring way to re-visit and even answer some of the gnawing questions we all intrinsically have about the meaning of life and our true, individual purpose on the planet. I love this book.”

Barbara Cronin, Circles of Light. For the complete review visit: http://www.circlesoflight.com/blog/in-search-of-simplicity/

“In Search of Simplicity is one of those rare literary jewels with the ability to completely and simultaneously ingratiate itself into the mind, heart and soul of the reader.”

Heather Slocumb, Apex Reviews

I MC’d our ceili on Saturday night and shared the following story with attendees. I think this modern parable is worth sharing broadly so I’m typing it below; it’s a metaphor for life.

The rich industrialist from the north was horrified to find the southern fisherman lying lazily beside his boat.

‘Why aren’t you out fishing?’ said the industrialist.

‘Because I have caught enough fish for the day,’ said the fisherman.

‘Why don’t you catch some more?’

‘What would I do with them?’

‘You could earn more money’ was the reply. ‘With that you could have a motor fitted to your boat to go into deeper waters and catch more fish. Then you would have enough money to buy nylon nets. These would bring you more fish and more money. Soon you would have enough money to own two boats . . . maybe even a fleet of boats. Then you would be a rich man like me.’

‘What would I do then?’

‘Then you could really enjoy life.’

‘What do you think I’m doing right now?’

What are you doing right now? Are you clawing and scratching and scrimping and saving for a better future or are you enjoying life now?

 
CLICK BELOW TO:

Subscribe to In Search of Simplicity by Email

Radio host, inspirational speaker and health educator John Haines is the author of In Search of Simplicity: A True Story that Changes Lives, a startlingly poignant and inspiring real-life endorsement of the power of thought, belief and synchronicity in one’s life.

“In Search of Simplicity is a unique and awe-inspiring way to re-visit and even answer some of the gnawing questions we all intrinsically have about the meaning of life and our true, individual purpose on the planet. I love this book.”

Barbara Cronin, Circles of Light. For the complete review visit: http://www.circlesoflight.com/blog/in-search-of-simplicity/

“In Search of Simplicity is one of those rare literary jewels with the ability to completely and simultaneously ingratiate itself into the mind, heart and soul of the reader.”

Heather Slocumb, Apex Reviews

Acupuncture

I recently interviewed a young woman, Kim Wong, about Chinese Medicine. This Voices From the North interview covers the history of Chinese Medicine and some of the key areas acupuncture and associated treatment methods can greatly assist people. Kim spoke of her success treating sore throats, headaches, muscle pain and injuries and more. She also indicated acupuncture can really reduce the side effects of a person quitting smoking. For the complete interview click below:

Kim’s contact details are as follows:

An associated interview can be found below:

Acupuncture Explained

CLICK BELOW TO:

Subscribe to In Search of Simplicity by Email

Radio host, inspirational speaker and health educator John Haines is the author of In Search of Simplicity: A True Story that Changes Lives and the recently released Beyond the Search, books to lift the spirit and touch the heart. See http://www.JohnHainesBooks.com

“In Search of Simplicity is a unique and awe-inspiring way to re-visit and even answer some of the gnawing questions we all intrinsically have about the meaning of life and our true, individual purpose on the planet. I love this book.”

Barbara Cronin, Circles of Light. For the complete review visit: http://www.circlesoflight.com/blog/in-search-of-simplicity/

“In Search of Simplicity is one of those rare literary jewels with the ability to completely and simultaneously ingratiate itself into the mind, heart and soul of the reader.”

Heather Slocumb, Apex Reviews

Mojo Mathers

Mojo Mathers joins six other new Green MPs in Parliament as our newest MP.  Many of you will know Mojo for her outstanding work as the Greens Strategic Policy Advisor for many years, and she was a key member of the Campaign Committee in 2008. As a deaf person who lives and breathes green issues she will be a strong advocate for inclusion for everyone.   You can read Mojo’s full biography here: http://www.greens.org.nz/candidates/mojo-mathers

Our final percentage of the party vote was 11.1%, up from 10.6% on election night, which is an outstanding achievement for our Party after 12 years in Parliament.  While the low turnout is a concern, our level of support represents a critical tipping point, delivering a strong clear Green voice in the new Parliament and a powerful platform on which to build our future support.

In response to strong feedback from members in 2010, our Party set a 10% vote target for this election and we have more than reached it! We can all take pride in what we have achieved together.  Our late co-leader Rod Donald was a strong advocate of aiming at 10% and beyond and he would also be very proud of this year’s Green party vote.

In practice, there is still a 121 seat Parliament and National is still able to form a government with ACT and United Future.  They will however need either (i) both of United Future and ACT, or (ii) the Maori Party, to secure a majority, which may moderate some extremes.  Some of you may wonder about appointing a speaker – in an MMP Parliament that doesn’t affect the balance of votes.

CLICK BELOW TO:

Subscribe to In Search of Simplicity by Email

Radio host, inspirational speaker and health educator John Haines is the author of In Search of Simplicity: A True Story that Changes Lives and the recently released Beyond the Search, books to lift the spirit and touch the heart. See http://www.JohnHainesBooks.com

“In Search of Simplicity is a unique and awe-inspiring way to re-visit and even answer some of the gnawing questions we all intrinsically have about the meaning of life and our true, individual purpose on the planet. I love this book.”

Barbara Cronin, Circles of Light. For the complete review visit: http://www.circlesoflight.com/blog/in-search-of-simplicity/

“In Search of Simplicity is one of those rare literary jewels with the ability to completely and simultaneously ingratiate itself into the mind, heart and soul of the reader.”

Heather Slocumb, Apex Reviews

A couple of months ago Dave shared a dream with me. Now to dream alone is just to dream. To share a dream becomes a reality. Around 2005 Dave put a proposal to people at DOC and other appropriate organizations about the creation of New Zealand’s tenth Great Walk. Great Walks are the Department of Conservation’s premier walks. There are presently nine such walks, only three of which are found on the North Island. You’ve all heard of and perhaps walked some of New Zealand’s other great walks—the Milford Track, the Routeburn, the Heaphy Track etc. We have nothing like that in the Far North.

Dave’s idea was to create such a walk between Spirit’s Bay and Te Paki Stream or station. The tracks are largely in place but the necessary huts are not. Dave, ever the pragmatist, made practical do-able suggests for the placement of two huts. He measured distances appropriate to three days of walking and plotted it all on a map. It would be called Spirit Walk and would be different from any of New Zealand’s other famous walks, featuring stunning beaches and headlands, mangroves and dunes. It would be culturally significant. It would draw more visitors to the north. It would help to put our little part of the world on the map. The idea was turned down but since Dave made his proposal DOC has been steadily upgrading trails and facilities by the Cape and even added a campground where Dave suggested a hut could be.

When Dave shared this idea with me, he made it clear he’d done his best and it hadn’t happened. He was disappointed.  Now will you join with me in envisioning New Zealand’s tenth great walk? Let’s dream together and see this become a reality. Billions get spent on roads. Surely a few hundred thousand dollars can be made available for such a worthy, far-reaching idea. Let’s help make Dave’s vision a reality.

Spirits Bay (Piwhane Bay)

Cape Maria van DiemenTe Paki Stream and sand dunes

CLICK BELOW TO:

Subscribe to In Search of Simplicity by Email

Radio host, inspirational speaker and health educator John Haines is the author of In Search of Simplicity: A True Story that Changes Lives and the recently released Beyond the Search, books to lift the spirit and touch the heart. See http://www.JohnHainesBooks.com

“In Search of Simplicity is a unique and awe-inspiring way to re-visit and even answer some of the gnawing questions we all intrinsically have about the meaning of life and our true, individual purpose on the planet. I love this book.”

Barbara Cronin, Circles of Light. For the complete review visit: http://www.circlesoflight.com/blog/in-search-of-simplicity/

“In Search of Simplicity is one of those rare literary jewels with the ability to completely and simultaneously ingratiate itself into the mind, heart and soul of the reader.”

Heather Slocumb, Apex Review

Is nobility determined by station? Is it endorsed by hereditary means, by the blood of birth? Is it displayed with crown and jewels? Or is nobility established in character, in a willingness to forsake the outer accoutrements of status and station in order to work for and to live for a cause greater than the wants of an individual?

I believe the man we are here to honour today lived a noble life. He wanted for nothing. He and Alison were married for over 53 years. He was and is surrounded by loving family and friends. He lived in an unpretentious but comfortable home in a beautiful part of the world. In the course of his life he walked in some of the most magical and pristine wilderness areas of this magnificent land.

I only knew Dave Panckhurst in the golden years of his life. But I consider it a blessing and a privilege to have come to know this humble, noble man.

We are gathered together to honour this great and gentle man. I encourage you not to be saddened by Dave’s death. Do not yearn for his physical presence. Be glad that you have walked in the shadow of his greatness. Know that his spiritual presence is never further than your next conscious memory of him.

I spoke before of nobility. Dave Panckhurst’s life was noble because he lived for causes greater than himself. He was occasionally saddened by the state of world affairs. Why? Because Dave knew that humanity can live with higher ideals than it currently is. He knew this because he personally lived those higher ideals. He knew this because, despite discouragement, he never stopped doing something to make this world a better place—by planting trees, with submissions to councils and letters to prime ministers and presidents, with a helping hand, a kind word, in so many ways we will hear more of today. You’ll see a quote in your programme from Mahatma Gandhi. “You must be the change you wish to see in the world.” Dave was the change he wished to see in the world.

As I said before, I only knew Dave Panckhurst in the golden years of his life. He was my neighbour and my friend, he was my mentor. He was like a father to this man who lost his own father some years before. We shared from each other’s gardens. I walked with Dave, planted trees with Dave, I danced with Dave and prayed with Dave.

I sincerely look forward to the next while as those of you who knew Dave in his earlier years flesh out the life of the silver-haired man I have come to know and to love. May we all be touched and gladdened by the stories shared today. May our hearts open as we celebrate and honour one who walked amongst us, acutely observing, patiently listening, deeply thinking and quietly serving his family, this planet and his fellow man.

CLICK BELOW TO:

Subscribe to In Search of Simplicity by Email

Radio host, inspirational speaker and health educator John Haines is the author of In Search of Simplicity: A True Story that Changes Lives and the recently released Beyond the Search, books to lift the spirit and touch the heart. See http://www.JohnHainesBooks.com

“In Search of Simplicity is a unique and awe-inspiring way to re-visit and even answer some of the gnawing questions we all intrinsically have about the meaning of life and our true, individual purpose on the planet. I love this book.”

Barbara Cronin, Circles of Light. For the complete review visit: http://www.circlesoflight.com/blog/in-search-of-simplicity/

“In Search of Simplicity is one of those rare literary jewels with the ability to completely and simultaneously ingratiate itself into the mind, heart and soul of the reader.”

Heather Slocumb, Apex Reviews

CLICK BELOW TO:

Subscribe to In Search of Simplicity by Email

Radio host, inspirational speaker and health educator John Haines is the author of In Search of Simplicity: A True Story that Changes Lives and the recently released Beyond the Search, books to lift the spirit and touch the heart. See http://www.JohnHainesBooks.com

“In Search of Simplicity is a unique and awe-inspiring way to re-visit and even answer some of the gnawing questions we all intrinsically have about the meaning of life and our true, individual purpose on the planet. I love this book.”

Barbara Cronin, Circles of Light. For the complete review visit: http://www.circlesoflight.com/blog/in-search-of-simplicity/

“In Search of Simplicity is one of those rare literary jewels with the ability to completely and simultaneously ingratiate itself into the mind, heart and soul of the reader.”

Heather Slocumb, Apex Reviews