Friday, April 1, 2011
Friday, January 14, 2011
The Power of Silence
Last September, I was fortunate to have the opportunity to participate in a meditation retreat for a total of 10 days. It was a silent meditation retreat. We were not to speak or even have eye contact with anyone for first 9 days. The exception being, if we had a question for the teacher, we were allowed a 10 minute to interview with the teacher, or if we had a problem with our living quarters we can contact the manager (but we had to get right to the point. No unwanted discussions allowed).
In the first two days I found it difficult not to acknowledge others. In contrast, after the two days, I felt almost violated when/if anyone would whisper something or ask me a question when they were not supposed to.
I was fortunate that it took me only about a day to become aware of and to quiet my mind…almost completely. I think I owe it to my previous meditation practice.
I loved the silence both of my inner self and my environment. It was so comforting. Like a nice warm blanket on a cold winter’s night. I was just content its to be in its warmth. Nothing else mattered. Accept the present. And once I am in the present- fully and completely, when I went for my quiet walks on the serene grounds of the meditation centre, nature seem to do a dance for me… or rather with me.. she dances and I respond to her moves with my appreciation and love of her performance (As I’m writing this, I just saw a swift and an hawk circling the sky on opposite directions {apart from each other, of course} from my balcony… Love the synchronicity!).
I would see a few birds sitting on straws of long grasses making beautiful curves like the waves of the ocean. I would hear the different melodies the songs of birds, and their intricately, synchronized choreographed dance in the sky.
The squirrels played with each other like children do, having so much fun hiding and seeking.
On the eighth day of the retreat, I left the meditation hall for a water break after the first hour. It was about 5:30 in the morning. I went outside and gazed in awe at the star studded sky. I was amazed at the beauty of the jeweled sky. A few moments passed and I saw a bright shooting star… followed by another!! That was not a common sight for a city girl…
On that same day just about noon, I was walking past a huge, tall tree and just before me a feather floated to the ground, as if to say, this is your gift from the heavens, take it!
I noticed that when I am present in silence, the universe reveals its beauty to me. And my heart expands to infinity. There is no thought. There is only joy, appreciation and love for what is. And all I saw in that state was beauty. At that moment joy, love, beauty and peace is all one and all present.
I was fortunate that it took me only about a day to become aware of and to quiet my mind…almost completely. I think I owe it to my previous meditation practice.
I loved the silence both of my inner self and my environment. It was so comforting. Like a nice warm blanket on a cold winter’s night. I was just content its to be in its warmth. Nothing else mattered. Accept the present. And once I am in the present- fully and completely, when I went for my quiet walks on the serene grounds of the meditation centre, nature seem to do a dance for me… or rather with me.. she dances and I respond to her moves with my appreciation and love of her performance (As I’m writing this, I just saw a swift and an hawk circling the sky on opposite directions {apart from each other, of course} from my balcony… Love the synchronicity!).
I would see a few birds sitting on straws of long grasses making beautiful curves like the waves of the ocean. I would hear the different melodies the songs of birds, and their intricately, synchronized choreographed dance in the sky.
The squirrels played with each other like children do, having so much fun hiding and seeking.
On the eighth day of the retreat, I left the meditation hall for a water break after the first hour. It was about 5:30 in the morning. I went outside and gazed in awe at the star studded sky. I was amazed at the beauty of the jeweled sky. A few moments passed and I saw a bright shooting star… followed by another!! That was not a common sight for a city girl…
On that same day just about noon, I was walking past a huge, tall tree and just before me a feather floated to the ground, as if to say, this is your gift from the heavens, take it!
I noticed that when I am present in silence, the universe reveals its beauty to me. And my heart expands to infinity. There is no thought. There is only joy, appreciation and love for what is. And all I saw in that state was beauty. At that moment joy, love, beauty and peace is all one and all present.
Tuesday, December 21, 2010
Monday, December 20, 2010
New Experiences
Recently I had taken on a job in a charity organization as the Head of Home and Welfare. We currently house 74 children in need. It's been an interesting 6 weeks. It is a huge responsibility and it is expanding my experience beyond my expectations. I never had imagined taking on a job like this before. This job is definitely NOT boring!!!
Friday, October 1, 2010
Personal Development Group: Taking the Journey Within
When we were children, we may have thought, that when we grew older we would have more freedom to do all the things that we were ‘not allowed to’ by our parents or guardians or not allowed to because we were too young. We may have thought that having more control of our lives would bring all the happiness and freedom we would ever want. As we journey through adulthood we realize that is not always true. Now, many of us may wish we were a child again. We remember the good parts of our childhood where we may have had less responsibilities and worries of the world. At times our responsibilities may overwhelm us. Causing worry and resulting in physical, mental and emotional stress and problems. These challenges may vary from relationship issues, self esteem issues, problems at work, being victimized or bullied, bereavement, conflict within, anger issues and dealing with fears. Or stepping into a new phase of life, i.e. early adulthood, middle adulthood, or late adulthood and having to face the challenges that they may bring; physical and mental health problems and various other life challenges. Most of us react to the challenges we face in life. The fact is there is no way to escape the challenges that life keeps throwing at us. The question is, how do we still remain centered and whole despite these challenges? How do we stay calm in the eye of the storm? These group sessions help to provide skills and tap into ourselves to reveal the answers. Target Group : 18 years old onwards No. of Participant : Maximum of 10 No. of sessions : 8 Duration per session : 80 minutes Fee : RM 500 Day and time : Tuesday, 8pm – 9.30pm Start date : 12 October 2010 Venue:
Objective: • To have clarity of intentions/direction in life • To discover one’s true potential • To be in touch with one’s true self/inner voice • To have control of one’s thoughts and emotion • To be able to take responsibility of one’s own life and circumstances • To improve relationship with oneself and others • To equip the individual with methods which will help to elevate oneself when feeling down or stressed • To understand and know the personal power each person has within themselves and to learn how to bring it forth especially in challenging times. • To tap into each individual’s passion and to incorporate them into the individuals lives. Expected Outcome: • Have more clarity in the direction of your chosen path • Be able to tap into your personal resources • Be able to consciously take inspired actions instead of constantly just reacting to external events. • Be in control of one’s thoughts and emotions • Be and feel more self empowered • Be connected to one’s own wisdom • Be more positive about life even during challenging times. • Having FUN! Facilitotor: Vanitha Chandrasegaram, Dramatherapist MA Dramatherapy (University of Hertfordshire, UK) MSc Psychology (Pittsburg State University, USA) Vanitha chose to be trained as a dramatherapist to combine her passion and background in the performing arts and Psychology. As a dancer, she has always felt that creative expression contributes to the wellness of an individual. In the last five years as a dramatherapist, she is now able to use creativity in the therapeutic context and to empower others. Her experience as a dramatherapist includes working in the UK and Malaysia in various settings from a private colleges to mental hospitals. She has worked with clients ranging with those undergoing various life challenges to clients with mental health issues, from ages three to ninety. Vanitha is a member of the National Association of Drama Therapy (USA) and was registered with the Health Professions Council (HPC) in UK (2004). Her work has been published in a book and professional journals in the UK and in Malaysia. For registration and inquiries, please contact Yvonne Lee Enrich Counselling & Therapy Centre Tel : 03-8061 8061/ 017-668 3702 Fax : 03-8063 3063 E-mail: yvonnelee@jm-enrich.my |
Friday, September 17, 2010
Free talk: Sailing through life challenges using creative arts
Speaker: Vanitha Chandrasegaram, Dramatherapist
Once in a while, life throws us challenges. These challenges may vary from relationship issues, self esteem issues, problems at work, being victimized or bullied, bereavement, stepping into a new phase of life – such as puberty, middle age, or old age and... having to face the challenges that they may bring; physical and mental health problems and various other life challenges.
Unfortunately, we never learned how to cope with these challenges when we were in school. Those of us who were lucky, may have learned it at our homes or other social interactions. But the general majority of our society have not been thought how to deal with life’s challenges. And therefore only are able to do the best that we know how. For most people that will be either to keep quiet about it or make a big deal about it, but not really working through it.
If we choose to keep quiet or hide it, our problems accumulates momentum and becomes even bigger than before and leaks through other ways such as in appropriate anger, addiction and other ‘negative’ behaviours.
When we make it a big deal, we get everyone else involved in our ‘drama’ which complicates the issue and upsets more people than necessary. We may have relieved our frustration or anger, but not worked through the problem.
The whole idea of seeing someone to help them deal and work through their problems can be daunting. Just talking and sharing and admitting their issues are a big deal for most people. And sometimes, one may not know how to describe their issues, or unable to be truly honest about it through words.
Using Creative Arts therapy as a tool- such as story making, drama games, movements, art work, voice work and music, one is able to express their challenges, work through them and have fun in the process. It provides a safe distance, it revisits the creative and the playful side of us. As adults many of us may have forgotten how to be playful and creative as we take on more responsibilities in our lives. It is a bonus that through this method, one can have fun even though they are working through very challenging situations.
In this talk, the participants will be enlightened with a brief, fun, experiential preview about how creative arts therapy is used in resolving life’s challenges.
Structure of Session:
Introduction
Warm up
Main Activity
Closure
Feedback
.
Time:
Saturday · 4:00pm - 5:00pm
Location:
Enrich Counselling & Therapy Centre
For queries and RSVP, please sms/ call Yvonne Lee at 017-668 3702/ E-mail: yvonnelee@jm-enrich.my
Once in a while, life throws us challenges. These challenges may vary from relationship issues, self esteem issues, problems at work, being victimized or bullied, bereavement, stepping into a new phase of life – such as puberty, middle age, or old age and... having to face the challenges that they may bring; physical and mental health problems and various other life challenges.
Unfortunately, we never learned how to cope with these challenges when we were in school. Those of us who were lucky, may have learned it at our homes or other social interactions. But the general majority of our society have not been thought how to deal with life’s challenges. And therefore only are able to do the best that we know how. For most people that will be either to keep quiet about it or make a big deal about it, but not really working through it.
If we choose to keep quiet or hide it, our problems accumulates momentum and becomes even bigger than before and leaks through other ways such as in appropriate anger, addiction and other ‘negative’ behaviours.
When we make it a big deal, we get everyone else involved in our ‘drama’ which complicates the issue and upsets more people than necessary. We may have relieved our frustration or anger, but not worked through the problem.
The whole idea of seeing someone to help them deal and work through their problems can be daunting. Just talking and sharing and admitting their issues are a big deal for most people. And sometimes, one may not know how to describe their issues, or unable to be truly honest about it through words.
Using Creative Arts therapy as a tool- such as story making, drama games, movements, art work, voice work and music, one is able to express their challenges, work through them and have fun in the process. It provides a safe distance, it revisits the creative and the playful side of us. As adults many of us may have forgotten how to be playful and creative as we take on more responsibilities in our lives. It is a bonus that through this method, one can have fun even though they are working through very challenging situations.
In this talk, the participants will be enlightened with a brief, fun, experiential preview about how creative arts therapy is used in resolving life’s challenges.
Structure of Session:
Introduction
Warm up
Main Activity
Closure
Feedback
.
Time:
Saturday · 4:00pm - 5:00pm
Location:
Enrich Counselling & Therapy Centre
17-3, Jalan Puteri 17-3, Bandar Puteri
Puchong, MalaysiaFor queries and RSVP, please sms/ call Yvonne Lee at 017-668 3702/ E-mail: yvonnelee@jm-enrich.my
Friday, June 18, 2010
The Power of Thought and the Power of Metaphors
Most of us have heard of the idea that our thoughts create our world. When we change our thoughts, we change our world. In my experience that statement has been true every time.
In Dramatherapy metaphors are widely explored and used during the process of therapy. We dramatherapists, have found it very effective in the process of healing.
The link below is a video from TED TV by an Indian classical dancer who elaborates and performs about the power thoughts and the power of metaphor in her process of healing from cancer. Definitely worth watching!
http://www.ted.com/talks/ananda_shankar_jayant_fights_cancer_with_a_dance.html
In Dramatherapy metaphors are widely explored and used during the process of therapy. We dramatherapists, have found it very effective in the process of healing.
The link below is a video from TED TV by an Indian classical dancer who elaborates and performs about the power thoughts and the power of metaphor in her process of healing from cancer. Definitely worth watching!
http://www.ted.com/talks/ananda_shankar_jayant_fights_cancer_with_a_dance.html
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