February 20, 2012

Honouring the Dream

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Barry Brailsford

Barry Brailsford has done much to rewrite the history of the colonization of New Zealand in ancient times. The Waitaha were/are a people of peace who found their way to these emerald isles some 2000 years ago. Barry’s books are a glimpse into a past and future imbued with qualities this nation and this world long for. The following is from StonePrint News  February 2012  Number 37

Kia ora friends

This news comes to you from Castle Hill Village, New Zealand on a bright, sunny summer’s day. This morning, a tree feller came to bring down a tall cedar on the land we tend. It was a sad occasion, but necessary, because some thirty years ago it’s seed had been blown into the centre of our beech forest. Now it was seeding its own kind, creating its own generation, which would smother this last remnant of native beech.

So the howl of a chainsaw was going to impinge on the beauty and silence of the day. I decided to handle this in the old way, in the way of those who tended the forests long ago. Remembering the elders’ teachings that they brought to the felling of a tree, I broke off a small branch and approached it and told the tree, and the forest around it, what was about to happen. Then I gently struck the place of the impending cut several times with the little branch and explained a deeper blow would follow and its life would end. All that it was would still be honoured for it would heat a home in the time of the winter snows and keep a new baby warm. Its leafy branches would be shredded to mulch the family garden and its wonderful scent would fill the air with the memory of what had been.

The chainsaw screeched. Silence. No shudder ran through the forest even when the tree fell. Did what was offered and the karakia help? I can’t say but it was done and I hope, done in a good way. Now, in keeping with the old ways, fifteen little trees of the beech kind will be planted to honour the passing of a tall tree.

The elder’s once told me the beech trees carry messages. For a long time I’d not understood the depths of what that might mean. However when they encouraged me to write Wisdom of the Four Winds, to bring the kaitiaki or spirit guardians back into our lives, I saw a little deeper. If wisdom is simply growing into greater awareness, then everything around us, the mountains and forests, the rivers and oceans, the birds and fish, the thunder and lightning, the Sun and the Moon have things to tell us.

Our modern age has become the message age. When I carried Pounamu, the healing stone of Aotearoa/New Zealand, to twelve North American tribes in 1992, the first elder I met asked me, ‘What is this age?’ Stunned by his question I gave an instant reply that still amazes me. Seemingly out of nowhere, I was filled with these words, ‘It’s the age without secrets.’

That was a strange response. One that bewildered me yet brought forth an answering smile. That question was asked of me again and again when I met the old ones. Looking back I wonder if the first elder seeded the answer in my mind to see if I would accept it and offer it back. Perhaps it was a test of a certain kind.

Anyway, the concept of an age without secrets has been a very important part of my journey since that time. If there are no secrets then truth marks the trail of our days, our conversations with friends and strangers, personal relationships, business transactions, government policies and international exchanges.

We may seem far from the Age of Truth, today. Yet, the seed is sown and as witnessed in recent times, the ability to hide the truth within the iron fist of dictatorship and hide corruption and torture behind walls of silence has been swept aside. The technological revolution that has placed cell phones with cameras in people’s hands is constantly changing the world. That device has already overthrown tyrants. And when we bring the world-wide-web into play — how I love that phrase — we open unlimited pathways to knowledge, truth and change.

“Honour the dream

that embraces the spirit of all

and know the flame of hope

burns brightly still. “

Song of the Old Tides

‘Honouring the Dream’

After thirty years devoted to driving my computer back through ancient knowledge I was called to share, I realise it’s time to help it move with the aid of the latest technologies.

So here I am, excited about starting up my own website; offering more on Facebook and You-tube, creating a blog site to answer frequently asked questions and planning to have ten of my titles available as E books within a year.

As well as my Facebook page I now have two blog sites in place http://barry-brailsford.blogspot.co.nz  and http://barry-brailsford-indigenous-knowledge.blogspot.co.nz/  It’s a kind of experiment. Those who have received my recent newsletters know I wrote the novel, Only a Hut in the Mountains, last year. This novel will not be published for some time, so I thought it would be good to share the beginning. You, see I’d love to have feedback and if enough readers wanted more, I could release more and more over the next few months and maybe we might get to the end of it. So that’s the thought behind this blog site. You are invited to have fun with Koro the old one!

‘Throwing the doors wider’

This is a steep learning curve for me. Please, bear with the process as it unfolds. Here are some of the topic I’m eager to share…

What is wisdom? Who were Waitaha? What evidence supports their story? Polynesian origins. Did they reach the Americas? Polynesian voyaging secrets. How the Moon influences our lives. Finding your People: be they Stone People, Bird People, Fire People, Water People or Tree People or one of the many other Peoples. Healing the past. The power of Pounamu. Opening the Peace Trail of the Pounamu. Maori trails. Maori sea-gardens. Our spirit guardians.

Wherever you are and whatever you walk at this time, remember…

‘Even the darkness brings learning to the light.

The balance is torn apart

but a wondrous new garment

may be woven in the mending.

Hope walks tall into tomorrow.’

So be it.

                                                            Song of the Circle

Kia Kaha! Walk in your truth!

Arohanui.

Barry Brailsford

http://www.stoneprint.co.nz    info@stoneprint.co.nz  mailto:info@stoneprint.co.nz    

http://barrybrailsford.blogspot.co.nz  

http://barry-brailsford-indigenous-knowledge.blogspot.co.nz

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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 Slocomb, Apex Reviews

 

 

February 16, 2012

Do We Stop to Notice Beauty?

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My thanks to Nancy for the following true story:

A man sat at a metro station in Washington DC and started to play the violin; it was a cold January morning. He played six Bach pieces for about 45 minutes. During that time, since it was rush hour, it was calculated that thousands of people went through the station, most of them on their way to work.

Three minutes went by and a middle aged man noticed there was a musician playing. He slowed his pace and stopped for a few seconds and then hurried up to meet his schedule.

A minute later, the violinist received his first dollar tip: a woman threw the money in the till and without stopping continued to walk.

A few minutes later, someone leaned against the wall to listen to him, but the man looked at his watch and started to walk again. Clearly he was late for work.

The one who paid the most attention was a 3 year old boy. His mother tagged him along, hurried but the kid stopped to look at the violinist. Finally the mother pushed hard and the child continued to walk, turning his head all the time. This action was repeated by several other children. All the parents, without exception, forced them to move on.

In the 45 minutes the musician played, only 6 people stopped and stayed for a while. About 20 gave him money but continued to walk their normal pace.

He collected $32. When he finished playing and silence took over, no one noticed it. No one applauded, nor was there any recognition.

No one knew this but the violinist was Joshua Bell, one of the top musicians in the world. He played one of the most intricate pieces ever written, with a violin worth 3.5 million dollars.

Two days before his playing in the subway, Joshua Bell sold out at a theater in Boston and the seats average $100.

This is a real story. Joshua Bell playing incognito in the metro station was organized by the Washington Post as part of a social experiment about perception, taste and priorities of people. The outlines were: in a commonplace environment at an inappropriate hour: Do we perceive beauty?

Do we stop to appreciate it? Do we recognize the talent in an unexpected context?

One of the possible conclusions from this experience could be: If we do not have a moment to stop and listen to one of the best musicians in the world playing the best music ever written, how many other things are we missing?

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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

 

 

February 6, 2012

Waitangi Celebrations

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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?

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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

 

 

January 19, 2012

Pete Grassby at the Mangonui Ceili January 2012

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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 21st. 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

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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

 

 

January 3, 2012

Wherever You Go, There You Are

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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.

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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

 

 

November 17, 2011

The Great Invocation Revisited

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For some years now I have connected each morning in a triangle meditation with two people living in other parts of the world. One of these people, Starling Hunter, has compiled a list of all the examples of The Great Invocation spoken or set to music that he could find. The link to this list is found below:

http://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PL01F316FCFA02D84F

The video below is what I believe to be a beautiful rendition of The Great Invocation that, as Starling says, could be played on the radio.

 

I have made several posts that can help you to find out how you too can participate in this simple but powerful way to help bring peace to this planet.

http://insearchofsimplicity.com/2009/02/15/creating-triangles-for-meditation/

http://insearchofsimplicity.com/2009/02/14/the-great-invocation/

And below are a few related posts:

http://insearchofsimplicity.com/tag/benjamin-creme/

http://insearchofsimplicity.com/2010/05/19/let-there-be-peace-on-earth-and-let-it-begin-with-me/  

http://insearchofsimplicity.com/2009/09/26/from-the-heart-of-a-master/

http://insearchofsimplicity.com/2010/06/26/paths-for-peace/

http://insearchofsimplicity.com/2010/04/20/the-most-valuable-things-in-life/

http://insearchofsimplicity.com/2010/03/22/world-peace-is-inevitable/

http://insearchofsimplicity.com/2010/03/22/world-peace-is-inevitable/

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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

 

 

November 15, 2011

Bringing Books to the Poor

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John Wood With Some of the Children He Has Helped

For anyone who’s read my review of Greg Mortenson’s efforts as described in the wonderful book Three Cups of Tea here is another extremely uplifting example of what one person armed with the right skills and will can do to make a huge difference in the lives of many of the world’s poor. The man’s name is John Wood and he recently handed out his 10 millionth book at a library that his team founded in a village in the Mekong Delta. Wood’s charity, Room to Read, has opened 12,000 libraries around the world, along with 1,500 schools. How’s that for an awesome achievement?

For more on this amazing story read below:

http://www.nytimes.com/2011/11/06/opinion/sunday/kristof-his-libraries-12000-so-far-change-lives.html

 

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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

 

 

November 5, 2011

Mahinepua Walk 2 November 2011

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We had a beautiful walk on Wednesday. I’ll share just a few of George’s great pictures below:

 

If you look closely I'm in this imageManuka in Bloom

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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

 

 

November 3, 2011

Greg Pritchard on Britain’s Got Talent

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Check this amazing talent out. This young man is made for the stage.

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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

 

 

October 13, 2011

Healing for the Future

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It is so easy to get caught up in fear. How can we handle the changes to our environment, our food supplies, the myriad new illnesses that seem to come along? All we need to do to stay healthy is to change our perceptions and to realize we are the creators of our destiny.

Indigo Baby

Your health is in your hands. As  Bruce Lipton has shown, we are not victims of the environment, of our pasts, or of our genes; we are able to change our DNA should we wish to. Here is link to an article that gives evidence that there are many, many children being born today who are developing resistance to diseases such as AIDS through the transmutation of their DNA.

http://www.universalhealingnetwork.com/newsalert/children.htm

This truly gives hope for the future of the human race. It shouldn’t be used as an excuse to mistreat your body. Healthy food, fresh air and exercise should remain essential parts of your daily health regime. But so should the awareness that you are truly in charge of your health and your genes.

I wish you abundant health and wellness. John

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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

 

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