Review: The Children by Charlotte Wood

A month or so ago I finished the first book of three, which I have pledged to read and review as part of the Australian Women Writers Challenge 2012. It has taken me awhile to get around to the review part but the detail of The Children by Charlotte Wood is still lingering my mind, which might give you some indication to how powerful this story is.

Set in a rural NSW town, the story starts calm and quiet, essentially capturing the pace of this small town. Interestingly as the drama builds in this book, that calm element manages to underline the story, a tactic that I admired.

The Children is about a family who come together, physically, when Geoff, the father, falls off the roof of his house and ends up in the critical care unit with severe head injuries. Mandy, Stephen and Cathy, the children, come home to support their mother, Margaret. Mandy returns from her highly intense career as a foreign correspondent, which has led her to live in war torn countries and tragic situations – a career that has rattled her soul and has disconnected her from an ordinary life, including her relationship with her family and husband, Chris. Cathy, the most normal and sympathetic child I would say, in the sense that she does not have some twisted or disturbed view on life (except perhaps having to deal with siblings who are dramatic and removed from the family, or even themselves). The youngest, Stephen, who has detached himself from everyone, with little reason as far as we know, returns home after many years.

As the novel progresses, clues behind each individual’s past is unveiled and provides some insight into the dysfunctional characteristics (or perhaps, just ordinary) of the family. One thought that occurred to me while reading this was the family seemed so broken but yet I found myself relating to what a character was thinking or saying, and led me to think about whether ordinary actually exists. As details of the past weave into the present, I can actually feel the tension build with each turn of the page.

My initial reactions to this book was the great attention to detail – careful description of ordinary moments come alive, intense moods of the characters are felt in my own depths. This is a very stellar start to the Australian Women Writers Challenge. By all accounts and reviews I have read about Charlotte Wood she is an Australian author to watch and I can certainly see why. I look forward to reading (and re-reading) Wood’s work in the future.

40 Day Revolution or: How I Learned to Stop Worrying and Love the Downward Dog

Today is the day. The final day of the 40 Day Revolution and I come away from the experience with a greater understanding of myself as well as an even more profound love for yoga!

Since the beginning, I have asked myself what I hoped to gain from the Revolution and the initial answers were to find more balance in my life and take the next step in committing to a more steady and consistent practice. I think I achieved both of these objectives but there actually has been one major theme that stayed with me for most of the 40 days though I couldn’t quite explain it until I had an a-ha moment during class this week. It was an unusually small class so the instructor jumped on the opportunity to ‘play’ a bit more (easier to do when there are less people in the room) and helped us discover more space in a few poses including Downward Facing Dog, a staple in any Vinyasa class.

Downward Facing Dog

For awhile, I didn’t quite ‘get’ this pose. Like I said, it is a staple and a go-to for finding a bit of respite during practice but I have always struggled a little bit. My hands never felt like a solid base, or my legs felt too tight – just found it more stressful than restorative. Then something happened. Over the last 40 days I found myself easing into my down dog with less worry and reached the point of… enjoying it! During this class, the instructor asked us to pair up with one of our fellow yogis for a partner assist exercise, then I really got it! Gently but firmly, our partners were asked to raise our hips toward the sky while in our down dog, allowing more space than what we could achieve on our own. Then they were asked to push against our shoulders, again bringing us deeper into the asana than what we might be do on our own accord. Not only was it a great stretch but also served as an example to show that there is always more space to move into. And this lesson can be applied to our mental space too. A-ha!

The 40 Day Revolution has showed me how to be more aware of my space and also the importance of creating more space in our lives. A pose seems really difficult? Just breathe and somehow, like magic, you can find just a little extra space to move and stretch into. Your mind is overrun with worry and stress at work? As hard as it can be (at least for me it can be!) then that is the perfect opportunity to step back, breathe and put your rampant thoughts into order, thus creating more space and awareness of where your head space is at in that moment. Watching how you feel in a moment can make a profound difference in how you proceed with your next task, day or whatever is coming up.

At times squeezing two meditations into a day plus a 90 minute practice at the studio could be challenging – and there were certainly days when it just wasn’t possible. But the revolution wasn’t about perfection or ticking all of the boxes. For me, it was a journey towards more self-awareness, paying attention to my space and inviting personal growth. I’m so grateful I finally went for the challenge. It has been an excellent experience that has moved me into another level of my yoga practice, beyond the physical postures into something much deeper. And of course, I learned to stop worrying and love the downward facing dog!

If you’re in Sydney, I suggest checking out BodyMindLife. They have beautiful studios in Surry Hills and Rozelle. And perhaps you will feel inspired to join their next 40 Day Revolution!

Let the revolution begin!

So the revolution begins. A couple of months ago I had written about the incredible transformation that happens when you learn to take yoga off the mat and do it regularly. I also declared I would finally sign up for the 40 Day Revolution, a program and personal challenge to commit to yoga (five days at the studio, one day at home and one day of rest) and meditation twice a day.  I was pretty gung ho but as the first day, 6th February, drew closer and closer I started to question my capacity to undertake such a committment. However, I reminded myself that there is no punishment if something happens along the way and I can’t get to yoga one day or miss a meditation. The reward is in the journey.

Last night was the first night which kicked off with a meeting and I loved listening to my co-revolutionaries share each of their motivations for signing up, ranging from desire for physical benefits and learning to cultivate more focus and balance in life, in particular the ladies who work in advertising and another who runs her own business. A man from the Netherlands, who has only arrived in Sydney five months ago, explained his desire to connect with the yoga community in his new home. And a very honest reason from another guy: “Now that I have paid $300 for this I hope that will motivate me to go more.” We all have our reasons. No judgements here.

Now I feel inspired by the possibilities. Rather than feeling daunted, I am taking advantage of this time to really reflect through yoga and meditation, supplemented by daily journal writing. This allows me to think about and define my intentions during the revolution and observe how I’m feeling mentally and physically. This journey has great potential but only if I don’t allow my own excuses to persuade me that I can’t complete it. For now though, two days in and enjoying the experience so far.

Learn more about the program and the studio BodyMindLife here.

Storms and sunsets

Disclaimer: I am not a photographer. However when presented with such beauty nature takes care of the hard work for you – no Photoshop required. Such was the case this week when we witnessed spectacular sunsets and storm clouds. I found myself sitting on the balcony, transfixed on the fairy floss (cotton candy to North Americans) clouds, feeling like all was right in the world.  Threatening but beautiful storm clouds rolled in on another evening. Charcoal and deep blue clouds blanketed most of the sky but left a corner for large, fluffy clouds bathed in the glow of the sunset in the other direction. I love when dusk gives us such visual treats.

Year Long Thanksgiving

Giving thanks. How often do you take a moment to express appreciation for a person, place or something as joyful as that first cup of coffee in the morning? Around the holidays, especially Thanksgiving (for North Americans), Christmas and New Years, we all dig deep to find and share our gratitude with one another which contributes to the very spirit of these holidays. But what about the rest of the year? How often do you find yourself expressing gratitude for any single aspect of your day, week or year?

My awareness for the act of daily thanksgiving changed last year after I read a column in MindFood magazine that pointed out the positive benefits of starting the day with thanksgiving. This made sense to me but between work, household duties, social events, personal development and everything in between, who has time and can remember to do this?

Well, I have come to realize the answer to my question is that everybody has time to take a moment to give thanks for what makes them happy. It doesn’t need to be glamorous, huge or newsworthy. Think about some of the small delights of the day like a delicious glass of wine or it could be the bus driver who made a joke and brought a smile to your face. And as far as having the time goes, I’m finding there are pockets of time throughout the day that can be dedicated to such reflection. In the car while stuck in traffic, the walk to work, while stirring the sauce on the stove top – we all have these slots of time so capitalise on the moment and give thought to what brought joy to your day or something that is constant variable in your life but is taken for granted

The lovely part of thanksgiving is that you can approach it however best suits you whether it is through prayer, reflecting in a quiet space or sharing your thanks with someone. My good friend, Sara Gille, has an inspiring and interesting approach to recognising what she’s thankful for. She has built a visual Thankful collection on Tumblr which you can take a look at here. Such a simple but very profound approach to daily gratitude practice. In fact, Sara is the one who has re-ignited the gratitude spark for me – so I am very thankful for her positive outlook and for reminding me of this very important daily act so now I take pen to journal everyday. No matter how tired or busy I am, I always manage to take a few moments to reflect on life’s delights, big and small.

Do you take a moment from your day to reflect on what brings you joy? Is it a mental list, prayer or do you have a special ritual for capturing the things you are thankful for?

Australian Women Writers Challenge

As we near the end of another year, I join the likes of many other people trying to figure out how to make their next year more satisfying whether that is through losing weight, doing more volunteer work or one of the million resolutions people can make.

One of my personal challenges for myself in 2012 is to simply read more and diversify the genres that I read. It was shortly after I made this resolution I came across the Australian Women Writers Challenge, a challenge to read and review works by Australian female writers. Having lived in Australia for over four years I realized that I really have not picked up as much Aussie literature as I should have but this will change. In addition to generally picking up more magazines, books and newspapers next year I have signed up (so it’s official) for the Stella level of this challenge, aiming to read at least three books written by Australian women and review at least two of those, which you will find in due course on this blog. I would like to think that over the course of twelve months I can manage to read more than three but I figure that if I can achieve anything more than this will be a happy bonus.

I have been trying to compile a list of what I should read. In addition to signing up for the Stella category I have identified myself as a a ‘Dabbler’ in which I will try to reach out to a variety of genres. Normally I lean towards memoirs and fiction. I would really like to try to read sci-fi / fantasy because this is just one genre that I believe I have not given much of a chance. My partner being a fan of science fiction and fantasy writing has suggested I read and review something by K.E. Mills and /or  Sara Douglass. I also happen to have a Charlotte Wood book ‘The Children‘ on my bookshelf which has been sitting there, unread for the last couple of years so will pick that one up and quite likely wonder why it took me so long to read it (I have a tendency to pick up second hand books at the markets therefore have loads of books on my shelf that are just awaiting to be read!) Also adding to my list of potential reads will be something by Emily Maguire. Emily is one of the writer ambassadors for Room to Read and I have met her a few times. She is a lovely lady and I have read some of her excellent work in the Sydney Morning Herald plus would love to support her since she is so generously contributing some of her time to Room to Read (including helping me put together our bi-monthly newsletter).

I am certain there are heaps of possibilities out there which is why I think reading three books will be no problem and I hope to exceed that. If you’d like to learn more about the challenge and perhaps even sign up, follow this link or click on the image below. What are your favourite books written by Australian women? I would love to hear your suggestions! Until next time, happy reading!

Yoga saves

When yoga practice becomes more of a way of life rather than an exercise routine done once or twice a week, an interesting transformation begins.Though I have been doing yoga on and off with spurts of consistency for the last 10 years, this year I have made a pact with myself to strive for commitment to yoga and meditation practice. As the days pass, I find myself enjoying life simply by being in the present, approaching the day with more humour and above all, loving. I know that must really sound like ramblings of a hippie but it’s simple really. Love, laugh and be present. In many ways yoga has saved me. Not only am I realizing how to find happiness within but I am also equipped with a stronger confidence and self-awareness.

Frankly, I’m still a beginner. My journey began when I was 17 years old and followed the MTV Yoga video (on VHS!) hosted by Kristin McGee several nights a week. After graduating high school and started university in Minnesota, I was restricted by space and time, so these years my practice suffered as I only practiced once a month at most. There was a turning point when I thought back to how I felt when I did do yoga and wondered why I didn’t do it more. From then I steadily increased my sessions but still never hit the ‘sweet spot,’ so to speak. Now after living in Australia for four years, ten years since I first discovered yoga through MTV, I have unearthed the mental and physical well-being I am capable of achieving.

I am looking forward to 2012 and really allowing yoga to be part of my daily life. For a few years I have been making excuses for not doing the 40 day revolution, at BodyMindLife, a yoga studio in Sydney. The 40 day revolution is a journey and personal challenge, inviting a life changing transformation. The challenges requires five days of studio practice, one day of at-home Vinayasa practice, one day of active rest, and morning and evening meditation over forty days. All of this always sounded appealing to me but also very daunting so have found excuses as to why I couldn’t possibly sign up for such an event. I’ve realized now that it isn’t necessarily about ‘winning’ the challenge but rather about trying and encouraging personal growth.

Everybody who does yoga has a story as to why they first stepped to the mat, whether it was to lose weight, learn to become more focused or to find a bit of tranquillity in a busy life. Yoga is a wonderful way to achieve all of these and being open to it, you can gain some results that you would have never imagined. I for one am loving the journey and learning how to live with more presence, focus and energy.

Who wants pho?

Oh, pho… how I adore and miss you, especially on this miserable and wet day. Maybe I need to go on a pho trail in Sydney and find the best?

First pho of many in Vietnam

Macaron Sunday!

Had to get up at 6:30am just to beat the line at Adriano Zumbo to get my hands on these little delights. Some of the flavours you see here include a lime mojito, watermelon, cola and a surprise macaroon covered in chocolate. Delicious way to begin this bright and hot Sunday in Sydney!

Know One Teach One in Hanoi

The last two weeks in Vietnam have been filled with marvelous sights and stories which I will share when I return to Sydney and am back at my own computer when I can include photos to enhance the stories. However, right now I am compelled to mention a restaurant we visited for lunch today called KOTO (Know One Teach One). This isn’t an ordinary restaurant though. KOTO is a non-profit restaurant and training center in Hanoi (They have also just opened one in Ho Chi Minh City also) who use a holistic approach in helping disadvantaged and street youth in Vietnam through hospitality training and combining this with English language training and life skills to provide the participants with a deeper experience by teaching them how to make key life decisions and become self-sufficient individuals.

Every six months KOTO takes 25 off the streets or out of their impoverished situations to enter into their hospitality training program which starts off with health checks and vaccinations then over the 24 month training period are provided with accommodation, monthly allowance, uniforms, ongoing medical support as well as life skills training (so it’s not just teaching young people how to cook and work in a restaurant – much more than that).

KOTO was started in 2000 by Australian expat, Jimmy Pham, who first started the program with a small sandwich shop but as we saw today has grown into a much larger project, which is inspiring to see.

I appreciate any youth orientated program that looks beyond straight employment skills, like cooking or serving tables in this case. Providing a much more holistic experience by combining English language classes, financial planning and other life skills will not only make the young individuals more employable but more well-rounded meaning a brighter future for them and generations to come, if they one day have children and can continue the cycle of education.

Most of the young people who enter the program are at high risk of getting involved in drugs, crime, prostitution and exploitation. Having this opportunity allows them to go down a different path by raising their confidence and providing the tools and resources required in creating a sustainable future, which is key in any successful business model. We all know the saying ‘Give a man a fish, he eats for a day. Teach a man to fish..’ And well, you know the rest.

Aside from the excellent mission of KOTO, I really enjoyed my plate of Halong Bay crab ravioli and a special Mint Julep created especially by the trainees – creativity is also encouraged! We were touched by the young people we saw at the front of the house (and back!) who were smiling and seemed to be thoroughly enjoying themselves.

Check out more information, facts and also about stories from some of the graduates of the program at www.koto.com.au. And of course, check out the restaurant if you find yourself in Hanoi! Delicious food, drinks and lovely service for a great cause!