Pooling our presence

A young man waits by the hydrotherapy pool with his mother. I don’t know his story - but it’s evident he lives with some significant physical challenges. Suddenly his physiotherapist walks into the pool area and the young man’s face lights up. He doesn’t speak, but his face and actions say it all. He shuffles … Continue reading Pooling our presence

A gratitude posture

I had a rough night in ICU with pain after surgery and a bad reaction to some stong meds. But throughout the night, Oish my nurse provided with me excellent, calm, patient, assuring care. It made such a difference. I’m mindful again today of the amazing work of health professionals and carers across the nation. … Continue reading A gratitude posture

Standing with Min

I took this photo of Min* and her baby on a visit to the India-Myanmar border. I will never forget the day I met Min and a group of other courageous, inspiring, resilient people who had fled from Myanmar to Mizoram. About 5 million people are now displaced in Myanmar and in neighbouring countries. There … Continue reading Standing with Min

The violence spiral

Tragically too many more will die today in a descending spiral.Women, men, children, mothers, fathers, brothers, sisters.Bullets, bombs and bowls bereft of food will be among the weapons used.Political and religious violence will kill them.Fuelled by hatred, ignorance, fear, discrimination, bigotry, misunderstanding, attention-seeking and extremism. Most of the victims will be ordinary people. We will … Continue reading The violence spiral

Bridges not walls

“Take our country back” is one of the catch cries for tomorrow’s March for Australia. But here’s where the premise of the march fails. Yes, those that will march tomorrow are a part of our country, and they have the right to peacefully protest. But Australia is no more “their country” than a beautiful Nepali-born … Continue reading Bridges not walls