Sunday, September 16, 2012
Tuesday, March 27, 2012
Inspiration Festival: Creation, Peace & Love (in Tel Aviv)
My next project is "Inspiration Festival: Creation, Peace & Love," which will be held in the end of May in Tel Aviv.
It will include creative workshops, exhibits and performances by friends, family and others,
mindfulness workshops or instructions, and meetings, exhibits and talks about inspirational romantic relationships.
The idea is that we are all creative, peacful and loving in our core, and this festival is a celebration to remind us of exactly that!
It will include creative workshops, exhibits and performances by friends, family and others,
mindfulness workshops or instructions, and meetings, exhibits and talks about inspirational romantic relationships.
The idea is that we are all creative, peacful and loving in our core, and this festival is a celebration to remind us of exactly that!
Thursday, March 24, 2011
Buddhist Studies in Tel Aviv University
So, I got back to Israel and signed up for classes in East Asia studies and in Philosophy. I'd love to write about what I am learning and if any thoughts or insights arise, share them here. These are the courses I am attending in:
* I marked the courses that are the most important for me...
M working subject is : Contemplative [Zen] Arts as an Educational Practice
I am also participating in: Meditation and Education: Theory and Practice, which is a MA course in Education. And it is also a research.
In addition, I am a research assistant for an Education research about children literacy, in 2nd grade, using computer technology. Specifically, the kids read an electronic story, which is, by chance, a Chinese fairytale about the 'empty vase'.
- Japan's Culture- about the history and development of Japan
- Japan Architecture and Environment- mostly historical and classical architecture
- Emptiness: My Life is Full, My Life is Empty - about the concept of emptiness in the mahayana
- Introduction to Chinese Philosophy - Confucius, Mo dze, Djong Dze...
- Introduction to Indian Philosophy
- Cutting with the Sword of Wisdom: Japanese Zen Martial Arts - about samurais and the warrior archetype (Karl Jung)
- The History of the Philosophy of Emotions - about being human as being a rational being, and the idea of controlling the emotions... and the place of emotions in moral judgments
* I marked the courses that are the most important for me...
M working subject is : Contemplative [Zen] Arts as an Educational Practice
I am also participating in: Meditation and Education: Theory and Practice, which is a MA course in Education. And it is also a research.
In addition, I am a research assistant for an Education research about children literacy, in 2nd grade, using computer technology. Specifically, the kids read an electronic story, which is, by chance, a Chinese fairytale about the 'empty vase'.
Mindfulness Instruction for Children
Hi everyone!
I recently joined a group of MA education students who are teaching mindfulness to 5th graders in a Tel Aviv school. The professor of this course is also writing a research about it. The attempt is to help kids with learning disabilities and emotional difficulties by teaching them mindfulness techniques.
The MA students have learned different techniques of meditation in the Fall semester and also theories and researches about mindfulness in education, health, and other related areas. In the Spring semester they are engaging in practice, so they teach 5th graders through 8 meetings. The class is divided to groups of 2-4 kids, with one or two instructors. I am one of the instructors.
I can write and update here how is this project going.
We also met with the parents once and explained to them what we are doing.
Please write questions or comments!
I recently joined a group of MA education students who are teaching mindfulness to 5th graders in a Tel Aviv school. The professor of this course is also writing a research about it. The attempt is to help kids with learning disabilities and emotional difficulties by teaching them mindfulness techniques.
The MA students have learned different techniques of meditation in the Fall semester and also theories and researches about mindfulness in education, health, and other related areas. In the Spring semester they are engaging in practice, so they teach 5th graders through 8 meetings. The class is divided to groups of 2-4 kids, with one or two instructors. I am one of the instructors.
I can write and update here how is this project going.
We also met with the parents once and explained to them what we are doing.
Please write questions or comments!
Tuesday, December 21, 2010
"Holiday:" Film by Dan Chyutin, a good friend of mine
Check it out:
http://www.cultureunplugged.com/play/3708/Holiday
http://www.cultureunplugged.com/play/3708/Holiday
Holiday :
Director: Dan Chyutin | Producer: Maayan Meir
Genre: Drama | Produced In: 2004 | Country: United States
Tags: Relationships, World
Genre: Drama | Produced In: 2004 | Country: United States
Tags: Relationships, World
Synopsis: Silence is 12-year-old Michael's way of coping with the troubles in his life. Living with a mentally disturbed mother, Michael has to cope on a day-to-day basis with alternating outbursts of affection and disdain. In order to appease his unstable mother and help her preserve her fragile sanity, the boy often gives in to her different whims. At night Michael often spends his time alone in the woods near his home, far from his mother. It is in these woods where Michael one night finds the body of a missing woman. This unsettling encounter undermines the fragile foundations upon which the silent and troubled boy has built his life.
Monday, December 20, 2010
The Joyful Creativity & Mindfulness Group
Our group is exploring a non-judgmental space for creativity. We use mindfulness to explore our ability to be creative without judgment. We talk about creative moments and ideas, we share our ideas, feelings and insights. We notice obstacles we encounter as we engage creatively in the world. We allow ourselves to be playful and explore creative mediums individually and collaboratively. We encourage and learn from each other. We believe everyone is creative and that it is healthy to engage in the world creatively.
What we do?
Why do this?
This type of exploration may help us to better understand our relationship to creativity, to notice our obstacles and judgments, to share our fears with others and get support, to share our inspirations with others, to expand our creative endeavors and reach out beyond our comfort zone of creativity, give us courage and motivation to explore arts or interests we haven't thought of before, or deepen our friendly relationship towards creative parts of our lives that already exist. It might also teach us about our common fears and obstacles, and our individual uniqueness.
Being creative and feeling safe to explore is important to human development and wellbeing. When we feel we can freely express who we truly are, we feel better and we radiate more joy to others around us.
What to Bring?
You don’t need to bring anything. But if you like to, you are welcome to bring a notebook, inspiring quotes, questions for contemplation, a piece of art/craft you made or care for, an insight or something you want to share.
How we do it?
We engage in a ‘Warrior’s Exchage’. A practice of mindful speech in which everyone is equal and we are trying to be present, open, non-judgmental and loving. We base our talk and reflection on being in the present. This requires a practice of meditation.
What have we done so far?
Introduced ourselves and shared our intention in being in this group. Discussed the format and style of the group and came to conclusions and decisions on how to proceed. Created a vision together. We used writing prompts to learn more about our creative fantasies. We shared ideas about what we would like to create. We started to think and plan collaborative projects together. We had a home-assignment to proceed and put into action a specific creative fantasy we had in mind but were stuck with. We visited Liz’s studio and saw handy crafts she makes. Got introduced to her puppets and their personal life. We discussed puppets as objects who become subjects. We meditated on a mug and explored our projections of it. We drew on a small piece of paper and wrote an affirmation we liked, about our ability to be creative and open. We shared our feelings and perceptions about our own creativity and about artists that inspired us. We shared some of the creative things we made with the group.
Specifically: I am currently working on exploring film-making by simply videotaping occasionally to become familiar with a camera. So far I filmed 5 short videos of my subway trip to the group meeting, and one video clip of the puppets’ Liz and Pauline.
Liz is exploring the project of puppet burlesque. She has met with a puppeteer and is now choosing the music and the materials she needs for her performance. This performance may, in turn, be filmed by me. Pauline is interested in participatory art, to include the audience and perhaps to make the scenery of the burlesque show. So this has become an individual project which is also collaborative.
Some Helpful Quotes
Schedule:
1) Sunday 11/21 3-5pm. Pauline, Liz, Yael [RMAC] [2 hrs]
2) Sunday 11/28 3-4pm, Pauline, Yael [RMAC] [1hr?]
3) Sunday 12/5 6pm, Yael, Liz & Una [Chelsea Studios= CS] [2 hrs]
4) Wed. 12/8, 6:30pm, Yael & Liz [CS] [2 hrs]
5) Wed. 12/15 6:50pm, Yael & Liz & Pauline [CS] [3 hrs]
6) Wed. 12/22 6:50, Yael & Pauline (+Jim? + Danny?), RMAC or TeaSpot [?] [1hr]
We will not be meeting from the 23rd of December until Jan. 15th.
Then, one, two or three of these options may happen:
1) We will continue to meet as a small group
2) We will have a public group in Shambhala Center
3) We will have a public group at the IDP Center
This is our stixy group if you'd like to add anything, email me and I will give you the password.
What we do?
- Ground ourselves in the present moment
- Warrior’s Exchange (mindful speech practice) or reflective conversation
- writing prompts (from "The Artist Way" and other inspiring exercises)
- Hands-on Activity: Sketching, drawing, origami, photography, video etc. [offer yr own]
- Share a creative thing we made
- Tell about a creative moment we had
- -home assignment (hands-on/reflective)
- Tea & Cookies!
Why do this?
This type of exploration may help us to better understand our relationship to creativity, to notice our obstacles and judgments, to share our fears with others and get support, to share our inspirations with others, to expand our creative endeavors and reach out beyond our comfort zone of creativity, give us courage and motivation to explore arts or interests we haven't thought of before, or deepen our friendly relationship towards creative parts of our lives that already exist. It might also teach us about our common fears and obstacles, and our individual uniqueness.
Being creative and feeling safe to explore is important to human development and wellbeing. When we feel we can freely express who we truly are, we feel better and we radiate more joy to others around us.
What to Bring?
You don’t need to bring anything. But if you like to, you are welcome to bring a notebook, inspiring quotes, questions for contemplation, a piece of art/craft you made or care for, an insight or something you want to share.
How we do it?
We engage in a ‘Warrior’s Exchage’. A practice of mindful speech in which everyone is equal and we are trying to be present, open, non-judgmental and loving. We base our talk and reflection on being in the present. This requires a practice of meditation.
What have we done so far?
Introduced ourselves and shared our intention in being in this group. Discussed the format and style of the group and came to conclusions and decisions on how to proceed. Created a vision together. We used writing prompts to learn more about our creative fantasies. We shared ideas about what we would like to create. We started to think and plan collaborative projects together. We had a home-assignment to proceed and put into action a specific creative fantasy we had in mind but were stuck with. We visited Liz’s studio and saw handy crafts she makes. Got introduced to her puppets and their personal life. We discussed puppets as objects who become subjects. We meditated on a mug and explored our projections of it. We drew on a small piece of paper and wrote an affirmation we liked, about our ability to be creative and open. We shared our feelings and perceptions about our own creativity and about artists that inspired us. We shared some of the creative things we made with the group.
Specifically: I am currently working on exploring film-making by simply videotaping occasionally to become familiar with a camera. So far I filmed 5 short videos of my subway trip to the group meeting, and one video clip of the puppets’ Liz and Pauline.
Liz is exploring the project of puppet burlesque. She has met with a puppeteer and is now choosing the music and the materials she needs for her performance. This performance may, in turn, be filmed by me. Pauline is interested in participatory art, to include the audience and perhaps to make the scenery of the burlesque show. So this has become an individual project which is also collaborative.
Some Helpful Quotes
We used Louis Hay’s “Wisdom Cards” of inspiring affirmations (in the 12/5 meeting w/Una)
“I freely express who I am: It is my birthright to express myself in ways that are fulfilling to me.”
“I dwell on positive thoughts: If good comes into my life and I deny it by saying, “I don’t believe it,” I literally push my good away.”
“I open new doors to life: My spiritual growth comes in ways I don’t quite expect. I know I am always safe.”
More:
“I am willing to learn something new every day: I cannot learn other people’s lessons for them. They must do the work themselves, and they will do it when they are ready.”
“I am good enough: I am not restricted by old, limiting beliefs from my family or from society.”
“I am willing to see my magnificence: If I think that I am a bad person, I get a negative feeling. However, if I change the thought, the feeling disappears.”
“I have unlimited potential: Loving myself and thinking joyful, happy thoughts is the quickest way to create a wonderful life.”
We also explored and enjoyed the book: “How to Avoid Making Art: or anything else you enjoy” by Julia Cameron. [buy it on Amazon: 42 used from $0.61].
Reading List
Click to explore even if you won’t buy, just to see it.
*The Artist's Way: A Spiritual Path to Higher Creativity by Julia Cameron; [150 used from $2.54]
*Wisdom Cards - by Louise Hay
True Perception: The Path of Dharma Art by Chogyam Trungpa and Judith L. Lief
The Zen of Creativity: Cultivating Your Artistic Life - by John Daido Loori
Schedule:
1) Sunday 11/21 3-5pm. Pauline, Liz, Yael [RMAC] [2 hrs]
2) Sunday 11/28 3-4pm, Pauline, Yael [RMAC] [1hr?]
3) Sunday 12/5 6pm, Yael, Liz & Una [Chelsea Studios= CS] [2 hrs]
4) Wed. 12/8, 6:30pm, Yael & Liz [CS] [2 hrs]
5) Wed. 12/15 6:50pm, Yael & Liz & Pauline [CS] [3 hrs]
6) Wed. 12/22 6:50, Yael & Pauline (+Jim? + Danny?), RMAC or TeaSpot [?] [1hr]
We will not be meeting from the 23rd of December until Jan. 15th.
Then, one, two or three of these options may happen:
1) We will continue to meet as a small group
2) We will have a public group in Shambhala Center
3) We will have a public group at the IDP Center
This is our stixy group if you'd like to add anything, email me and I will give you the password.
Wednesday, December 15, 2010
Cave in the Snow: A Western Woman's Quest for Enlightenment
Talk in May @ Shambhala NYC"The Eight Worldly Concerns
I was fortunate to hear Jetsunma Tenzin Palmo talk about the 6 Paramitas, in Tushita center, in McLeod Ganj. I learned insightful things from her presence and her speech.
I'm very curious about here book: "Cave in the Snow: A Western Woman's Quest for Enlightenment".
Jetsunma Tenzin Palmo was born in London in 1943. When she was 20 years old she traveled to India, and soon after met her teacher. In 1964, she became one of the first Western women to be ordained as a Tibetan Buddhist nun. After twelve years of study and frequent retreats during the long Himalayan winters, she sought complete seclusion. She found a remote cave, where she practiced intensively for twelve years. Cave in the Snow: A Western Woman's Quest for Enlightenment is the story of her life. Jetsunma Tenzin Palmo is a renowned champion for the rights of women to attain spiritual enlightenment. She is the founder of Dongyu Gatsal Ling, a nunnery in India.
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