Humans are by nature creatures of habit.We like our comfort.In fact we love it so much we sacrifice everything in order not to be disturbed from our comfortable slumber,from that intoxicating numbness that pins us in a reality we don't really like.We complain about it,but we have become so addicted to this reality,that we don't move a muscle to actually do something about it.
The state of today's society is indeed one that stems directly from this principle:COMFORT above all.We go to work daily.We may not like it,but it pays the bills.We may not like our boss,but we need the paycheck to support the family.We then return home,where our main diversion is.... what else?Watching TV of course.Maybe sitting at the computer for a distraction from our previous distraction.That of course leads to lack of communication,strained family relationships,personal dissatisfaction and on the physical level obesity,various diseases and allergies...you name it.We claim we don't like our current reality.We hate the government,the education system,the health care system,the fact that we are not richer.We blame the rich,the politicians,God.....anyone else but ourselves.I have come to realise,after a rather unpleasant experience that no one is going to miraculously change things for me.Or for humanity as a whole.Unless we realise that we are the change. I will repeat that.WE are the change.God cannot interfere with free will,which he so generously gave us.About time we used that free will.About time we woke up. If you want to change your poor self-image,do something about it.Work out.Eat wholesome, healthy foods insteads of packaged junk.Get out of the house and move.Your body was not made to be sitting still.It was made to move,to be free.In order not to feel lonely,again,the only way to meet people is to go out.Communicate more.Smile.Nothing is more drastic for boosting one's psychology than human interaction.You want to change things around you?Educate yourself.Network.Get your information from other sources than the television.Finally,TAKE ACTION.No action equals no change. The lesson I learnt rather harshly-and I got to say this,it hit me like a freight train-is that inaction will only bring personal dissatisfaction,poor self-image and self-hate and of course it will bring no change.If you want something get up from the couch,the computer,anything that represents comfort for you.Run from it as far as possible.Get comfortable feeling uncomfortable and take the action which is necessary to take you to the direction of whatever it is that you want.Action brings change and God knows how necessary it is nowadays.Take action and change the world. Till the next post,stay happy,stay safe and healthy. With love and light, Lia
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Being a teacher,it often happens that- despite my experience,better judgment and knowledge of modern educational methods-I resort to having my students memorise vocabulary or sometimes even whole pieces of a passage.When realisation dawns on me,I almost always feel ashamed and mentally castigate myself for becoming the very image of those teachers that I had no respect for,even as a student.It is at such moments I have to make the conscious effort to bring forth the modern educator,who favours more student-friendly,more modern teaching methods and approaches.I have realised it takes conscious effort to overcome what has become ingrained in our brains as educationally acceptable and start implementing methods that will make learning both an efficient as well as a fun process-especially here in Greece.
Memorisation is,of course,a method that is a necessary evil.But that occasion should be sporadic not the norm.When I was a student myself,it was an indubitable given that the teacher was a mere conduit and conveyor of knowledge, with the exception of a few bright beacons of hope and refreshing change for us students.The teacher entered the classroom all high and mighty,delivered their lesson and assigned the homework,which entailed excruciating memorisation of facts and figures that we would most likely forget.It goes without saying that the student with the best memory and retention skills was rewarded handsomely with high grades.The others-well,they had to tag along somehow. My life's story is abundant in successes and failures.One time I remember all too vividly, was when I was sitting for my oral exams in German. Luckily,I had always been extremely adept at memorisisng data,so I went through the written part of the examination with remarkable ease.When the time came for me to perform orally,though......suffice it to say that it was a horrendous nightmare.I was sweating profusely and I could hardly breathe.I did manage to go through the questions posed fairly decently and by some miracle,I passed.The oral examination though,the way I see it today,from a teacher's angle,was a complete and utter flop.Not enough emphasis was placed on conducting oral lessons in the classroom,rather memorisation of literary texts,drawn out analyses of characters and grammar were favoured disproportionately in comparison to the development of oral skills. On the other hand,what I consider a personal success story,was my unexpected high placement in the state exams for teacher placement-the very last time they were conducted.Admittedly,I didn't study extensively.But the couple of weeks I did,were spent on research and comparisons of teaching methodologies, listening to interviews,watching documentaries and/or movies on the subject.I discussed with colleagues over controversial teaching subjects,such as class management,discipline,grading and exams.I firmly believe that the above process was infinitely more helpful to me than if I had spent my entire time studying and memorisisng data,without so much as questioning or judging them.I attribute my success to the freedom I had to choose my own material,do my own research and form an opinion that was entirely my own.I did not get selected,unfortunately.But I feel myself fortunate to have been able to use all this newly-acquired knowledge on my numerous students in the last nine years-and with great success I might add. So,for me to learn effectively,I need to be able to have the liberty to choose the material from which to derive the required knowledge.I will need to be given some resources,of course,based on which I can better judge on how to proceed.I need visual material,like videos,interviews or podcasts from a multitude of sources.I need to be free to engage in a fruitful discussion with like-minded people and colleagues,who can provide me with a different view or angle on the topic.I need the time to process the information in my own way,at my own pace,maybe even journal or blog about it.Then and only then will I own what I have learnt. In my view,it was this freedom that allowed me to better integrate and consolidate the necessary data to perform successfully.This of course, applies to everyone and to a multitude of occasions-whether it is an everyday lesson or something more,something bigger,such as exams or a job opening.This is the exact freedom I endeavour to extend to my own students everytime I deliver a new lesson-both within and out of the classroom.Freedom to explore.Freedom to form one's own opinion and be able to voice sound judgment.Freedom to learn at one's own pace,without the stress of time and competition.Eventually,the freedom and power to gain essential knowledge,the kind that will remain with them for the rest of their lives. With love and light, Lia It's Christmas Eve 2015....the year is winding to an end.Another year almost over.This is the time when most of us start reminiscing and wondering what they could have done differently,done better, more efficiently,done with more kindness.Much as I tend to give in to such thoughts,bringing myself down by mentally castigating myself for things not done or done poorly,at this moment of aloness and stillness(the family is off to bed)I am full of a feeling of gratitude and inner peace. I may not have all I want but I have so many blessings in my life that it is actually ungrateful of me to even allow such thoughts to enter my mind.Yes,I want more out of life.Yes,I deserve more.But so do so many other people on this good earth,who do not enjoy my comforts.Who do not live in a warm house with a decorated Christmas tree,enjoying a hot cup of blossom tea.Who do not have the comfort of a hot shower.Who do not have the luxury to go out with their family on this blessed day and indulge in a spending spree,it does not really matter if it is big or small.Size and quantity is such a subjective notion in our days -it's not even worth discussing.What's a lot for me could be breadcrumbs to someone more affluent and what I consider to be little and not enough may have been a fortune and a shower of blessings for another. And before closing this little note off,it would be only fair to say that if you want more out of life....well,go after it.Pursue it.Dare to dream it and realise it.Don't complain.Don't allow dark thoughts and pessimism to weigh you down.Feel the joy of what you do have. Let it give you the boost you need to chase after your dreams and desires.It all comes down to how much you really want it.If you want it badly enough,then you'll be able to figure out a way of succeeding.Without fail. All in all,what this day requires is love,gratitude,joy and laughter.Being with the family.Enjoying each other's company.Sharing the love.Giving and connecting.Indulging in food we would otherwise avoid like the devil.Laugh out loud till it hurts.That's what is necessary to exorcise the inner demons and negativity to the void of inexistence where they belong.Keep it optimistic,happy and loving!Enjoy your holidays! My daughter having a blast....she loved today's outing with mom and dad.As always,more than ready to strike a pose! I have a passion for tea...so Christmas Eve was celebrated with this very special blossom tea,hot and steaming, by the tree,enjoying the silence after a busy day.
Have a blast this Christmas!If we are to be realistic,everything that is wrong and negative with the world,is still there.And will still be there tomorrow-and the day after that.But for one or two days,let's remember to be human above all and truly relish this blessed experience of being alive and well-together.Have yourself a Merry Little Christmas everyone! https://play.spotify.com/album/5euuvpSWLJUGD8R4DrrZcO And a compilation of Christmas songs from around the world to accompany your precious,festive moments! With love and light, Lia hat was my daughter's question,out of the blue,as we were returning from her dance class.It was completely unexpected and it reverberated in the chilly night air,seeking an answer.A question from a child.And as a rule,they are simple in formation yet profound in meaning.What answer to give? I smiled.My daughter never allows any question to go unanswered so I obliged,without thinking too much.I told her that if I had wings,I'd fly way up in the sky,basking in the ethereal splendor of the clouds,relishing the sun's rays.I would soar fearlessly beyond the stratosphere and out into space.I would explore every corner of the vast infiniteness of the universe.That's what I said to her.To take it a step further,I'd have to state that I would be so bewitched by this magical journey that I would never feel the need to return.But deep down I know that I would-eventually.Because,I,like any other living,breathing human being,am but a child of the Earth.So,like a child,I would seek the comfort of my mother's loving arms.I consider it a given,however,that I would never be the same,ever again.For such journeys in the unknown have the tendency to change us-irreversibly.Irrevocably.And it is this change exactly that will fuel our will,our strength to contribute to a change around us.Whether the change is in the family,the community or the world,it is inevitably going to happen.Like a pebble in a lake,its ripples will be far-reaching and its impact permanent. To explain myself further,let's hypothesise for a moment.Such a journey for me would be equal to me daring to leave the confines of my self-inflicted reality-my marriage,my job,and travel to another country to teach or something in that context.Maybe even write a book-who knows?The world extends far and wide, beyond our limits,beyond our comfort zone.It truly is massive in comparison to the tiny space we build for ourselves and call life. It is brimming with opportunities,there for the taking.One has but to dare.Like my favourite composer and Nightwish leader Tuomas Holopainen says in his beautiful song Amaranth: "Apart from the wandering pack In this brief flight of time we reach For the ones, whoever dare.." So,right now,in this moment,in this brief flight of time,I dare myself.I dare YOU. If you had wings,how would YOU use them?I'm sure you already know.We all do,deep down.I doubt if there has ever been a human being on the face of the earth that hasn't wished for the ability to fly,to soar the heavens,free as a bird.This wish must have triggered the invention of the airplane and the spacecrafts.Man wished-and still wishes- to free himself from the boundaries and confinement of the earthly plane.He wished for the freedom to fly and fly high.But man is possessed by his fear.He fears what there is yet to experience.He's terrified of realising that all this time he spent in fear,hesitating to take that final leap,he was utterly wrong.Afraid of facing the truth-that we had wasted out time on anything but our heart's longing.See,we may not have wings on our backs like the birds or the angels,but our heart most definitely does.And she wishes nothing more but to fly free and fulfil her burning desire,her mission.So, from time to time she nudges us on.To contribute to change somehow.Whether big or small.We all have a role to play in this cosmic game of chess.We are all valuable and necessary.So,please don't confine your heart.Let her free.To fly,to seek out what it yearns for and see it accomplished. Beware though.With change and freedom comes the price .There are consequences and the obligation to support that which you had wished for.So,when you finally do take that leap,keep this always in mind.Brace yourself,for it will require you to be strong and stay the course.Trust me,there will be many that will seek to keep you on the ground.They won't like it that you flew,that you tasted the freedom they knowingly chose not to grasp.The irony of it all is that more often than not,these people will be the ones closest to you.Don't be discouraged and don't let their fear get to you.Keep at it....and always,always be ready to heed your heart's calling. Shhhhh......do you hear her wings flapping?She's ready to fly.ARE YOU?? ....that the powerful play goes on and that you may contribute a verse..
What will YOUR verse be? It's Thanksgiving today...a day for expressing heartfelt gratitude for everything that you have(or in some cases for things that you don't have).It's a day most of us remember to feel grateful but in reality,we should allow that feeling of gratitude in our hearts and daily practice every single day on this blessed planet.It's an attitude, a mental state that goes hand in hand with love,qualities which are sorely needed in our troubled times. I will not go into the history or origins of Thanksgiving here.To my mind,what is more important is to actually remind myself and all those I can touch that expressing gratitude on a daily basis is not only beneficial to the heart and soul but also our bodies,enhancing our general health.It influences the way we think and view the world,the way we treat our fellow humans,how we treat our Mother Earth.It impacts our actions and brightens the light we bring to the planet. Since this is not meant to be a philosophical,abstract discussion,I will get on to the point.Every year,I have my students write down at least five things they are grateful for.It never fails to stun me how difficult and awkward it is for them to manage to say thanks for the blessings in their life,how unfathomable it is to consider the things and the good in their life as blessings at all.We have become so utterly desensitised and consider everything we have for granted and we wonder why our lives seem so impossibly void of joy,why we are so bored all the time. So, I literally make them write it down or organise some project that will be hung on the walls of the classroom as a daily reminder.It's a fantastic way to remind myself also to express my thanks for all that is good and positive in my life.I do keep a journal,but sometimes I get lazy.It's at those times exactly that my life,my thoughts get the darkest.It's at those times I am blind,in every sense of the word to the light and love around me,to the posssibilities I can create. So, here goes. I am grateful for being here,at this time and on this planet.Having been born to this specific family,with all its troubles and fun moments.For all the turmoil,hardships and heartache I suffered.For it shaped me into the person I am today.It made me more compassionate and sensitive to the pain of others.For my mother,who may be far away from me,but I am grateful for her,nevertheless.For her laugh and joy of life.For both of my brothers,being such extraordinary men.For my dear aunt who raised me,when my mother couldn't.For my father,who may not be with me anymore,but blesssed with so much of his love that I can still feel his presence in my life. For the family I created.My wonderful,giving husband and my little tornado-my sassy,lively daughter.For all the joys and troubled times together,for they help me grow and be a better person,a better partner and a more understanding,loving mother. For my other family.My students,who keep me young and alert of the changes of the times,who challenge my views and beliefs and provide me with fresh ways to look upon reality.My colleagues who have become dear friends and have shared their knowledge and parts of themselves with me. For being in such fantastic shape and enjoying the blessings of optimal health,that enable me to give and relish the experience of being alive,no matter what. I'm grateful for this day,this sunlit day brimmimg with opportunities to create,to laugh,love and be happy to be alive.Happy to live on this blessed planet,so abundant with life.I wish we'd stop hurting it for our sport..... For every person I have ever met,be it friend,lover,foe,colleague,passer-by.Ever single one.For I recognise,that even the smallest,briefest encounter,even if it is just a smile, a helping hand can have far-reaching effects and remain with us till the end. There,i did it.It might be too personal,but right now that is exactly the point.Being thankful IS personal and sharing it is no shame but rewarding,intimate and somehow confessional.Sometimes we need exactly that.To share ourselves with the people in our lives. The way I see it,there's nothing wrong with sharing yourself,express your thanks with others.It just might encourage them to do the same.We are the total of our experiences,our loves and losses,our successes and failures,our joys and heartaches.We need not feel shame.Everything that shaped us into what we are today is life itself.It is love.Without love there is nothing,no joy,neither pain.So we are all works in the making,works of love.We were made of it.We are love.So express it today and every single day of your lives.To express gratitude is to express love.Don't hold back.Share it generously with the others.God knows the world needs it desperately.Happy Thanksgiving everyone! Just a little,disarmingly cheerful song to nudge you along...let it sweep you away! I have a story to tell you.Once upon a not-so-distant past,there were no computers,no mobile phones,no flat-screen TVs.None of these contraptions inhibited genuine interaction,face-to-face discussions, communication,honesty and a more acute sense of blissful happiness.My childhood was one of innocence,carefree and unaware of grown-up problems.I loved my friends and school,I spent my free time happily playing with my friends without a care in the world and al the traps it holds for us.I loved everyone,adored all animals and being out in nature.From my 42-year old perspective,those were indeed moments to be treasured.They hold a fairytale-like quality,one that unfortunately today's children and youngsters are not likely to experience.This makes me sad for all the things they are missing out on.Surely,today's era has so much to offer them.Advanced technology that allows for more comfort and superior education and of course, business. You were given all this right from the cradle.You cannot possibly imagine your life without your mobile phone,without checking your statuses on Facebook first thing in the morning.You play games on your computer,tablet or iPhone for hours on end.You are overwhelmed by the need to chat with your friends,measure your worth based on the number of friends or followers you have.An overload of information bombards your brain daily and you don't have the necessary filters to dilute it,to separate the truth from the bullshit.You have become a passive recipient of this rapid techological advancement.You cannot hold a conversation of essence for longer that 5 minutes without getting distracted.You care for celebrity gossip so much it consumes you.You know more about the Kardashians than about the ever worsening problem of global warming and you don't give a damn about who's governing your country. You don't care much for books and reading is considered a waste of time.Many of you have difficulty writing even the simplest task,even if it is just one paragraph.Your imagination switch is off,all rusty from remaining unused.You don't read,therefore you lack the necessary skill of thought,critical judgment and clear expression of opinion.Hey,you are unable to have a simple discussion with your family over dinner,absorbed by your mobiles.Eye contact is something to be avoided,something that makes you uncomfortable.It has become unfamiliar in our technologically advanced times. Wake up child.Technology is here to serve us, not to enslave us and stupefy our senses.Wake up to the reality of the people in your life,your family and friends,the world out there.There are problems in the world that are serious,that need caring people to alleviate them.To solve them.There's hunger and abject poverty,leading millions of children to their premature demise.There are wars and abhorrent violence child.Mother Earth is suffering from the torture we are inflicting upon her daily with out selfish and self-serving actions.Nature has suffered severe blows.Forests are vanishing and numerous animal species are quickly becoming extinct.We ourselves have lost our humanity,by not caring for our home,for our fellow travellers,which we are ruthlessly and heartlessly killing slowly but surely,without remorse.Who ever said we are Gods and have such a right?It is our obligation and our privilege to take care of this beautiful blue gem,treat it and all the life dwelling on it with respect and love. We like to think we have all the time in the world child.Time is not something infinite, though.Our bodies have a limited time on this planet.So, make the most of this experience while you still have this vessel.Show respect and love to yourself and all forms of life on this good Earth.Give of your love to others and it shall be returned to you a thousandfold.Give of your time, to create memories that will last and outlive time itself.Educate yourself on a variety of subjects.Knowledge is power.Knowledge opens the way to opportunities and paves the way to success.Question everything you hear,no matter who it comes from.Don't let the media and technology have free reign over your mind.Use your brain.Help whenever you can or even better create the circumstances to help.The world thirsts for your light.With so many problems and so much darkness all of our light,love and service is necessary. Don't let the technological stupor and comfort drag you in its magic.Use technology with care and cautiousness.Even better,use it to serve a worthwhile cause.Make technology your servant.Use it to help the world.You'll be grateful you did. Of course I don't expect the world to go back to the way it was when I was a child myself.But I do hope and strive for a world where our first priority is to become a better version of ourselves.A world where we are not puppets of a master called technology but rather we are the masters of a very efficient servant.I know this is not unrealistic.It is a possible reality if we allow a shift in our minds to take place.A shift towards humanity,nature and respect for our home,our planet.It will take hard work.It is worth it.Because I do believe that celebrity news and gossip about celebrity diet fads or relationship statuses are inferior to the celebration of humanity,love and our Earth.Our time is that limited and precious that it should be spent on experiences of value.Experiences of our our own lives,elevated to timeless dimensions.Our own lives,not anyone else's.So,child,live.Truly live.Toss away your mobile and feel,give and love.That's what life is all about. With love and light, Lia It's been two weeks already since the last post.Two weeks of personal changes,doubts,self-torture and eventually reaching a stage where I had no more confidence in myself and no will to write.I've had such moments before,like every other human being on this planet.This time was different.Disappointed by personal circumstances,I let the flow dry out,willing to let everything go,just do nothing,not to think,not to create and get swallowed in the whirlwind of my everyday obligations. Today is not much different.Or actually,it is...a bit.In the stupor of my self-pity and nothingness,I brought myself to sit down at my computer.After a few moments,my fingers touched the keys.They felt familiar,welcoming.So,right now the words that are being printed are whatever flows from my mind,onto the screen.An attempt to hold myself accountable.To keep myself true to my dreams,which I had promised not to betray,no matter what it demanded of me.To hold on to it,to bring it to life.If I betray my dream,I betray myself,my very soul.The death of a dream hurts infinitely.To one's core.Its scars remain inside,emerging from time to time,demanding our attention,causing regret and sadness for their untimely demise,until we die and leave this world without having fulfilled our purpose. I keep telling my students that to possess a talent does not necessarily entail that this will automatically lead to success.I tell them that any talent requires hard work,honing,persistence,sweat and blood.A talent,a dream, is part of who you are and lives within you, it feeds off your essence.To bring it forth and perfect it, is a task for the ones who persist,not the faint of heart.By this,I do not mean to say that we are not allowed moments of weakness.It is inherent in our human nature.It is, however,our duty to rise,again and again.It is a sign of strength to get up.The weak will remain at the bottom,within the comfortable limits of their ego that tells me them it's OK not to do anything,that it's perfectly fine if they don't struggle for a dream.It's acceptable to listen to the nay-sayers that keep telling you that you are crazy for wanting to change the world,in whatever way,even the smallest one. I am considered to be rather pigheaded by my friends and family....so,I will practice what I preach and walk my talk. I cannot allow myself to be a teacher that teaches big ideas but adheres to none.I will not make any pompous speech here.I will simply do what my dream requires of me.I cannot change the world,I am not some saviour. Far from it.But I will make sure my dream lives in me daily and do whatever it takes to keep it alive.As I have quite a big ego,that will be a battle of epic proportions.I am willing to keep the battle raging and prevail. To rekindle one's faith is like rekindling a fire.Slowly at first,but eventually it rages and flies sky high.To rekindle your faith, it's necessary to remind yourself of your self-worth,of your dream.Work on it,day by day.Don't let it die alive.It might take a long time and you are sure to bleed.Don't be afraid.A Iittle blood and a few wounds are just a reminder that you are alive,passionate.A warrior of life.Your dreams are worth every sacrifice you make.So if you are feeling disappointed and you have given your ego free reign,do something about it.Fight like hell.Surely you don't want to become bitter in your old age.Live your life.Live your dreams.You can always be practical and mind the rules society has set for us....but up to a point.Don't let any exterior situations discourage you or dictate how you should live your life.Don't let them lure you in the comfort of laziness.It's not ok,however much they tell you it is.Pursue,fight,never give up.Fall down,cry,wallow in self-pity,curse whoever and whatever you want....but after all that,get up and continue with your work.Walk in the direction your dream dictates.Be a warrior.Dare to live life your way.
That's all for today.It was one of the most difficult posts I've ever had to write but somehow it was cathartic.Enjoy your day.Talk soon.
With love and light, Lia Good morning all!Today is the day for Speedy Gonzales.....lots going on,some simultaneously,so no time today to give in to writing.I'm overflowing with ideas but they'll have to wait until tomorrow.On the days when I'm really full,I need loads of energy,so breakfast is usually a green juice,blessed with the nutrients and goodness of Mother Nature.I'd really love to share this with you.It's just too good not to! So, very quickly,here goes.In the juicer,if you have one or the blender,throw in the following and you're good to go. 2 oranges 1 lemon 1 apple 1 pear 1 peach 1 cucumber a handful of spinach a dash of cinammon 1 teaspoon of ginger 1 spoonful of honey It's fresh,cool and extremely enegising!Who needs coffee? Anyway,gotta dash.Have yourself an awesome day and don't foget:get in the flow and enjoy the headrush it gives you! And just because I needed the extra boost,some music is always welcome.It is beautiful.Enjoy! As always with love and light,
Lia Yesterday's article on creativity received fantastic comments...I have to really acknowledge this and extend my sincerest thanks to all of you who took the time to read it and contribute your comments and constructive criticism.Some of your comments got me thinking and provided the inspiration for today's article. Understandably,the subject of creativity is quite extensive and requires in-depth analysis.Today,let's mingle playfulness,innocence,experimentation, personal awareness and the concept of creativity...see where it takes us. Whenever I look back on my childhood,a time where technology wasvirtually non-existent,I vividly remember playing with my dolls.I used to stage whole theatrical plays,the most unlikely scenarios.I would pretend I was a mother,a teacher.I would fight for the ones I loved,nurture,take risks.I would be a famous singer,a doctor,a superhero saving the world.....anything my childhood imagination could conjure.Nothing was impossible.Absolutely nothing.The same is happening with my daughter and her friends.Though their time is a more technologically-oriented one,they still manage to conjure up worlds of their own,as quite unconsciously their creative streak takes charge and they are in the flow.I must assume then that creativity is a quality we are born with.We are meant to create.So,one must wonder,how and when do we lose this? Once,scientists believed that by the time we reached adulthood,our brains stopped forming neural connections.A fact that has been disproved,as numerous studies have given solid proof as to the plasticity of the brain and its ability to form neural connections well into old age. Neural plasticity is what allows us to continue learning and creating until all life force is removed from our bodies.So,since the reasons for our lack of creativity cannot be found in our genetic make-up nor on our unwillingness to create,we must assume that at some point,this God-given quality was suppressed as we were told that it was not necessary,nor desirable to succeed.Rational thinking,studying and memorising dull material passively was enforced upon us,until even the thought of creativity itself was lost.The sad thing is that school is just the beginning.In the workplace are required to perform their duties according to rules,laws and their employers'wishes.No room for individual expression is left and all divergent thought is discouraged or downright forbidden.Even in the rare cases whare creativity is allowed,it is forced to work within limits,obey rules.That does not allow for pure,unadulterated expression,that brings forth perfection. So, I suppose that should we want to awaken the beauty and perfection within,it would be best to do it daily,consciously,boldly and unafraid of what might surface.Who knows,maybe we'll discover we never wanted to be secretaries,teachers,shop assistants,but free spirits creating art or travelling the world in search of novel experiences.Let's dive right in. 1. First of all,it is necessary to rid oneself of all the externally imposed blocks.Stop saying you can't.Omit it from your vocabulary.Change your perception of how you think things are meant to be done.Try to ignore your parents' or your teacher's voice inside your head that says that you CAN'T or SHOULDN'T do or want other things than the standard norm.Avoid negative thoughts.Focus more on the positive aspects of your creativity. 2.Give yourself permission to be a freer spirit,a more creative person who dares to do things differently.The unspoken societal rules of how we are supposed to think and act,have become so firmly ingrained in our system,that we need to consciously and fearlessly ignore them-and even better uproot them altogether- and allow ourselves to be different, to finally be ourselves. 3.Believe you have the capability to be creative.Then listen to your intuition and go do it.Don't question it,don't fear it.Intuition is what has led the gretest creators of all times. 4.The most solid advice I've heard on awakening creativity, is to actually hang out with creative people.It has been said that you are the average of the people you hang out with.If you want to be creative,find people who already have cultivated this quality and learn from them.Then apply what you have learnt. 5.Hang out in places where creativity is practiced and encouraged.Art galleries,museums,exhibitions.Music concerts,dance festivals.Actively pursue an activity that speaks to your heart.Attend painting classes,photography workshops,dancing lessons,acting lessons.....you get the point.Do anything to stimulate your creative muscle.Get in the flow. Below are some practical ideas on how to ignite the fire of passion and creativity in our every day lives. 1.AT HOME a.Redecorate your home to your heart's content.Don't hold back,give your imagination free reign.The possiblities are endless!http://justsomething.co/33-amazing-ideas-that-will-make-your-house-awesome/ b.Unleash the artist in you and sing and dance like there's no tomorrow when doing the household chores.From my experience,it is really liberating!Knock yourself out! c.Play with your children.They will be pleasantly surprised and it will most definitely stengthen your bond.Another advantage to consider is that it will loosen you up enough to feel like a child,to feel free.Nothing better to get the creative juices flowing!
AT SCHOOL a.A fantastic idea to encourage student creativity is to include extracurricular activities or if that is not feasible incorporate inspiring and thought-provoking activities.For example,free writing is a fantastic activity,one that gets students to think and eventually create a story of their own making. b.The teacher could organise the class into book clubs,movie clubs that will encourage student discussion,critical thinking and could lead to the full unleashing and discovery of their own creative skills. c.A theatrical group or a music group are also very challenging but rewarding activities that could instill group mentality and collaboration but also cultivation of potential talents. d.School visits to museums, art galleries,music concerts or cinemas/theatres.Amazing stimulus for the mind and soul. AT WORK a.By far the best way for an employer to amp up his employees' creativity is to actually encourage and reward it.That will be definite motivation for the rest to follow suit. b.Create a working environment where positivity is of major importance.A stress- free working place is more likely to allow creativity to flow and most definitely a bit of fun only added to a positive working and creative experience. c.Allow employees of different backgrounds and knowledge to get together in groups and discuss possible projects.That encourages harmony and friendship to develop,which is extremely conducive to the birth of new ideas or to the fruition of already existing projects. Diversity and homogeneity in the working place is one of the basic ingredients of a peopl-friendly company. I hope this post will prove to be useful to you.It certainly was a delight for me to write.I hope you have an amazingly creative and productive day,but don't forget to enjoy the ride! With love and light, Lia Creativity -from what I have learnt so far,especially after starting this blog-is not synonymous to talent.I always believed that if you have a God-given gift or a strong drive,that automatically entails that you are creative as well.I admit to being very wrong.From my recent experience I discovered that creativity,much like teaching is a never-ending,ongoing process of learning,of immersing yourself in the craft you have chosen to pursue.Admittedly,it is much more difficult than I initially thought it was. Creativity is not some romantic notion,some quality you just happen to possess.It is a way of thinking,of being,it is the way you approach your craft and life in general.It means constantly working on your craft and maintaining your determination to learn more about it, about any new tools or approaches that are available to you.So, read everything you can get your hands on.Research.Ask questions.Be curious and inquisitive.But learn.It is of the utmost importance to believe you can create.Then go do it.Work on it daily, work relentlessly,work without minding the time,perfect it.Don't hold back emotionally, because creativity is first and foremost the expression of your feelings-it is the expression of YOU.Do not fear the mistakes that will inevitably be made.As with every other learning process they are inescapable,desirable even.How else can one venture to become a better version of oneself? After some digging around in the Internet vaults and its vast array of articles full of knowledge,I managed to gather some characteristics for the creative individual.Some of them I posses,others not.By no means do I claim that every artist or person walking this planet possesses all these qualities.They are more a list of guidelines of the creatively restless person.The person who will dare to think differently,go against the norms and challenge the status quo. 1.The creative individual is constantly curious,asking questions and doubting established societal structures. 2.A creative person has a vast array of interests.After all,to create,one must posses knowledge, as knowledge can trigger creativity. 3.Creativity opens the mind to alternative possibilities.So,the more creative a person the more flexible his approach to problems,the more he can come up with solutions that are off the beaten track,unusual but effective.That tends to be called divergent thinking.Even the answers this person provides, tend to be extraordinary. 4.One can easily distinguish the creative person from his willingness to take risks.This person loves adventure and everything that is uncertain,way off the comfort zone. 5.Versatility and adaptability are also key traits of this special individual. 6.Divergent thinkers tend to fantasise a lot,imagine alternate realities and solutions to the world's problems.A phrase that is totally charracteristic of them is:"What would happen if.........?" 7.Their humour is also a bit unusual and bizarre.Not everyone can relate to it. 8.They demonstrate a heightened emotional sensitivity to beauty due to their natural inclination toward aesthetic perfection. 9.Their non-conformity to societal norms is also a trait that sets them apart.It is simply impossible for them to accept authority in any form.They are unafraid of being different.In fact, they flaunt it every chance they get. 10. Their criticism is constructive. 11.The brain function of the creative individual is above average. 12.Their fluency is another typical characteristic.They are able to construct and phrase their ideas way more eloquently than a person who is less creative. 13.A divergent thinker can create much more original content and ideas.What's more,he can elaborate on those ideas to the point of perfection. 14.Their perception of reality and the way they define things and their circumstances is different than that of the average thinker.Othe people often find it difficult to grasp their way of thinking. 15.As no one is perfect,these people also tend to possess some negative characteristics.Some of them tend to be overly assertive and stubborn,temperamental but at the same time withdrawn.Their tendency to be unconventional sometimes makes them cynical or uncooperative. There are numerous tests out there to measure one's creativity or tendency to divergent thinking.The most well-known one is the Torrance test of creative ability.I did find other tests too,though.I did one of them and the result showed I'm very creative.Of course,delighted as I was with the results,I know better than to rest on my laurels.A test score does not make you creative.Hard work and persistence does.Here's the link,should you be interested to check out your level of creativity. http://www.kellogg.northwestern.edu/faculty/uzzi/ftp/page176.html Apart from an aspiring writer,I am also a teacher.It saddens me to see the creative thinking of our youngsters being suppressed in the most hideous of ways.Memorisation,standard testing to check how well the prescribed knowledge has been assimilated.Simultaneously,our students' creative abilities remain latent,hidden under a pile of otherwise useless knowledge and skills.Alternative and abstract thinking,novel ideas are brushed off as being too absurd,illogical and contrary to the rules contrary to the set educational norms.I am very angered by this process.Why should we stump their alternative,creative streak of inspiration?Why not encourage it?After all,no progress could ever have been made if it were not for the divergent thinkers, the pioneers.Charles Darwin,Henry Ford,Albert Einstein,Nikola Tesla,Steve Jobs,Steven Hawking.....the list is endless.How can we possibly exalt these peoples' accomplishments but at the same time suppress out very own children's creativity?It is one of the paradoxes in our education I simply do not understand and will never accept.Why is everyone so afraid of it? Creativity and thinking out of the box is the way to go.It should be given free reign in schools.That is the only solution to hinder the robotisation of our kids,the only way to give them self-confidence,trust in their dreams and potential.It is the only way to fire up their desire to make a difference in our very confused and violent world.Creativity is the ways to change the world.Not the creation of class of workers and passive thinkers but a class of free people, of pioneers. Sir Ken Robinson is one of the people I look up to when it comes to this subject.I will add a very characteristic video with a fantastic speech on creativity and why it is of the utmost necessity in our education.I have posted it before,but it seems only appropriate to repost it today.Enjoy! And one more,from the same inspiring speaker... Today's post was a true joy to write.I hope it gives you inspiration to unleash your creativity,your kids' or your students'.Alternative thinking brought the world thus far.If we want a beter world,happier,more productive people,let all creativity and imagination loose.Let talent thrive.Wake it up from its slumber.Now is not the time for sleeping.It's a time for action.
Hope you have a fantastic day. As always, with love and light, Lia Good morning to all you out there!It's a gloriously sunlit September morning and I feel energised to the point of bursting.....I have this amazing,highly nutritious breakfast recipe to share with you.I have already said that I am consciously avoiding processed foods and that is why i am constantly on the lookout for healthier alternatives.Health food blogs are therefore a new passion of mine. This morning I stumbled upon this fantastic,not to mention mouthwateringly delicious recipe. Oatmeal is one of nature's most nutritious grains.Even for those of you with an intolerance to gluten,like myself,this will not bloat your stomach or make you drowsy and fatigued.I am literally hopping up and down and looking forward to whatever this day is to send my way.The recipe is really quite simple and it takes only a bit more than 5 minutes to prepare.Accompany with a glass of orange juice and a cup of coffee(I can't live without it as you might have noticed!)and your day is ready to start.The recipe is below.Enjoy!
Blend all the ingredients in a blender until the mixture is smooth.Add some olive oil to your pan and cook just like pancakes.Apart from the ingredients in the original recipe,I added raw almonds and walnuts in the mix, to make it crispier and for an extra healthy dose of protein and fat.I sprinKled with goji berries, chia seeds,flax seeds and some sea-buckthorn.I accompanied it with homemade applesauce (a happy reminder of my childhood in Holland)and plenty of cinammon.What surprised me rather pleasantly is that I do not feel any discomfort, full or bloated.Quite the contrary.So, whip it up and enjoy!The link to the site,in case you want some more healthy alternatives, is below. http://www.food.com/ Have a fantastic day!I leave you for now with this amazing song.It never fails to give me goosebumps.Lagoon by Nightwish with the smooth,crystal clear voice of Tarja Turunen. What a fantastic start to a great day! https://play.spotify.com/track/55hIrUzO4ADRqjSmOLnfLd As always with love and light,
Lia ...... inherent in human nature.The human soul never stops longing for more, no matter how advanced it is,no matter how many material possessions it has been blessed with.The soul is eternal,restless and strives to rise above human and earthly conventions.it strives for magnifecence.It is something that all wealth and human possessions cannot possibly begin to satisfy.There's always another song to write,another book to be written,play one more game,run one more marathon. It is an undeniable fact that the social conditions are dire and the whole structure seems to be falling apart.I hear many people saying that there is no point in dreaming anymore.I was there too.It's so easy to reach rock bottom and feel everything is useless,void,even the calling of your very soul.It is of absolute necessity to stress that this void is merciless,dark,cruel.It dries up your very essence and all that remains is just a flesh bag of bones,a mental zombie. What I personally find the most appalling is that this is phenomenon is affecting the younger generation,the very ones that will be determining life on Earth in a not so distant future.It is something that affects and bothers me more than words could ever express.It is part of my dream,to be able to eradicate this,to change the younger generation from technology,screen-staring zombies into thinking beings,full of dreams and zest for positive changes,that only they can bring about.Their essence is very much needed. In case you're wondering what brought this ranting about,I've been reading a truly fascinating book over the weekend.It's called "Dare to Dream"by Rolan A.Roberts.It's not the first time I've read it,but it is the only time I've so profoundly affected by it.Maybe it's because I'm so restless myself,looking for purpose in my life.I've been pondering the ten questions posed by hte writer to discover your purpose in life.I intend to meticulously study them and maybe I can understand what is bothering me.The questions are below.I hope you'll find them useful to finding the way to your own unique life's mission. 1.What is your true passion in life? 2.What bothers you? 3.What would you do /who would you be if money was not an issue? 4.What is your purpose in life? 5.What are your skills/talents? 6.What character trait do you get mostly complimented on? 7.What would you do if you knew you had one more week to live? 8.When do you feel more successful and alive? 9.Which circumstances in your life are unique and how could you use them to your benefit? 10.What would you like your legacy to be? That is about it for today.....gotta pick up my little third-grader from school.Hope you have a truly fantastic,productive day. With love and light, Lia Once there was a time of a never-ending dream.......... I discovered a new,amazing voice,Diane van Gierstenberg.Gorgeous presence.Enjoy! I will never forget the first day ever to walk into a classroom full of kids,looking up expectantly at me.I was a complete newbie to the whole procedure.Suffice it to say, I was a nervous wreck.I had no idea what I was doing there,much less teach and discipline the little rascals.They were a rowdy bunch and me being shy did not help ease the awkward atmosphere.At some point I plucked up the courage to start the lesson.It was a total disaster,to say the least.The little ones, sensing they had free range,made a complete chaos out of my carefully planned lesson.I was too young,too reserved to discipline, much less inspire any kid.I doubt if I inspired any inkling of respect then. Fast forward to today,17 years later.I thank God or whatever power up there in the vast universe that made me persist.I still teach and haven't looked back,never felt any remorse.I started out teaching English, but as the years went by,I realised I had another gift,one that is way more important than simply conveying the significance of correct English grammar and vocabulary usage.It felt empty somehow,devoid of meaning or feeling.It became evident that I NEEDED to connect to my students, and did so relatively easily.I realised that by relating to every individual's special needs,teaching became so much easier and the lesson trasformed into a multifaceted process of English,joking,music and most importantly bonding.Being able to create a bond among kids who are so dissimilar, so varied in their backgrounds,emotions and reactions,became a challenge I look forward to.And it makes me immensely happy to say I succeed every single time.To me, that has become the essence of my teaching and the single most anticipated reward,not the grades or the certificates. My colleagues and loved ones know how much I love to learn and English is my passion.The teacher I am today though,craves more.The job market is rapidly changing and the demands that our students are burdened with are more complex and require them not only to have amassed knowledge but to have mastered a multitude of life skills,the skills tomorrow's leaders are made of.The leaders that will inhabit and determine the fate of the Earth of tomorrow.That is what I seek to accomplish.With English as my vehicle,I strive to convey the basic rules of leadership and to keep them informed as to the skills they need to possess.Integrity,sound knowledge,communication,hard work,self-esteem and leadership.No matter where they might end up professionally, these skills will unfailingly get them where they need to go.I am a staunch supporter of this and it is the main axis for my lessons. I genuinely believe that our world does not need any more politicians,but people who truly care for our planet,humanity and possess the will and determination to actually DO something about the state our so-called civilisation is in.Love, compassion and interest in the common good and welfare are some more qualities inherent in true leaders.These are the principles I try to instill,hoping to affect their future even if it is a small fraction.To be more specific,the guiding principles are the following.
1.A leader relies on his humanity to lead,not his position. That entails that no matter how self-confident an individual is, he still has to remain humble and not allow his ego to take charge.A leader seeks to gain loyalty and not compliance.A leader shows respect to all,regardless of their status,education,race,religion or political beliefs.Honesty and integrity are of paramount importance.They walk their talk,meaning they actively apply all that they preach on themselves.Leaders are lifelong learners,constantly thirsting for knowledge and new experiences.Since they have successfully silenced their ego and opened their minds they feel no insecurity in the presence of people who are smarter or more intelligent then themselves.There are added benefits to limiting an inflated ego:one can more easily admit to their mistakes and find ways to tackle them successfully, in a coolheaded way and without becoming defensive.A true leader does not need constant confirmation.He knows his self worth,therefore it is easier to remain humble and focus on the job at hand. 2.A leader dares to connect to people. The speed at which technology is advancing has caused isolation among people.We have become afraid to connect, to reach out.Afraid lest we might actually come out of our stupor and actually feel and get hurt.Don't get me wrong,I'm all for techology.Its benefits are too many and important to ignore or or be shrugged off dismissively.It can't be denied though that as a society we are unconsciously withdrawing within,on a screen.a successful leader will realise the undeniable pros of technology but will actively pursue human contact,connection on a soul level.A person who leads, constantly asks questions to discover other people's motives and desires,respectfully and with understanding.They listen attentively and encourage,pointing out their strong points and virtues,praising their success and offering a willing ear and advice in case of a failure.They use stories,their own experiences to trigger interest and motivate. 3.A leader dares to pursue his dream/goal. So many of us(myself included)have dreams,express wishes of a better future.Few of us actually have the persistence and willpower to bring this dream to fruition.Leaders are doers.They remain loyal to their dream and are more than willing to take on the risks and accept any changes necessary if that is conducive to the realisation of said goal.That of course means that a healthy dose of optimism is necessary to overcome the obstacles ahead or worse,negative people.In this way,they are better able to bridge thatseemingly insurmounatable gap between what is real and the desired outcome.They tackle problems and details head-on.Their enthusiasm and optimism is very helpful in convincing others of the positive outcome of their dream.And most importantly,they don't nag,Quite the contrary.They actually have a blast during the whole process. Departing summer hath assumed An aspect tenderly illumed, The gentlest look of spring; That calls from yonder leafy shade Unfaded, yet prepared to fade, A timely carolling. - William Wordsworth, September The morrow was a bright September morn; The earth was beautiful as if newborn; There was nameless splendor everywhere, That wild exhilaration in the air, Which makes the passers in the city street Congratulate each other as they meet." - Henry Wadsworth Longfellow "'Tis the last rose of summer, Left blooming alone; All her lovely companions Are faded and gone." - Thomas Moore, The Last Rose of Summer, 1830 There is a quote in the Great Gatsby -life starts all over again when it gets crisp in the fall.While it very accurately describes the season of autumn, the heatwave that persists here in Greece rather contradicts it.Summer is almost over,though, and schools are officially starting again on the 11th of September.To top it all off, because here in Greece we can't feel quite alright if we don't have elections a couple of times in a year-and a healthy dose of national drama and political bickering and backstabbing-we have the national elections on the 20th.May we make a wiser choice this time..... September is a month that has inspired- and still inspires the artistic and restless minds.Poems have been written about it, like the ones above, by William Wordsworth and Thomas Moore.Many others ,like Henry James,Emily Dickinson,T.S.Elliot,Henry Wadsworth Longfellow and countless more have contributed their verses to pay tribute to autumn.Beautiful verses,songs,movies that praise the many virtues of September.Likewise,there is a very upbeat song by Earth,Wind and Fire (a group the younger ones will probably not have heard of, but to my generation they were plain awesome.September can be a very happy month with this tune dancing in your head! A couple of decades later,Jason Donovan sang a re-make of the 1972 song by Bobby Vinton "Sealed with a Kiss",dedicated to summer loves that ended sadly in September....
There's a vast array of movies set in autumn.You can find them here:....http://www.pastemagazine.com/blogs/lists/2012/10/15-classic-fall-movies.html I remember an amazing Hollywood movie, that came out in 1961,starring Rock Hudson and Gina Lolobrigida,quite a hot couple in their time.You can see the trailer below.
August is almost done.Summer is nearly over.The beginning of a new year is jusat around the corner.And though I never actually liked new beginnings or changes, this year I'm actually looking forward to them.Changes keep us alert and urge us to keep growing spiritually anad mentally. It seems it will be important to make changes in my work schedule this year.My little girl is growing and is definitely going to be needing more of my presence and help.Third grade this year.Can't believe how much she's grown.Curiously, despite all the changes that will need to take place, I feel a strange sense of tranquility and love.Maybe it's because in the past few months I've been getting certain signs-however odd and superstitious it might sound to some.I've been seeing hearts all over the place.Coincidence, some might say.Maybe,maybe not.I believe too much to disregard those signs as mere coincidence.I am definitely no chuchgoer.But I believe firmly and unwaiveringly.That's why I consider those divine signs.They give me comfort and they unfailingly put a smile on my face, every single time. These are from my every day life.I can't help feeling happier and a bit more positive about life, no matter what curveball I've been thrown, no matter how difficult things are.It's a gentle nudge, a reminder that nothing is permanent,not even pain and hardships.When I see these hearts I am always reminded I am loved, no matter what.Isn't that what we all crave?To be loved unconditionally, despite our many shortcomings and flaws.I feel and understand it fully now.If a heart in a cup of coffee or a breadcrumb is enoough to feel the love, I don't really need to be reminded by anyone how much they love me.I am loved,even if the rest of the world gives up on me.I am loved, even if I make a big mess of my life or inadvertently hurt someone.And that is true for all of us.We are all loved,beyond our understanding.Love is everywhere if we but open our hearts to it. I hope you take this message to heart and put it to use in your life.Yes, it is necessary to put action and hard work to make things happen but it is imperative we not forget to keeep our eyes and soul open to the subtle messages the universe- or God if you will-sends us.Life gets much easier and colourful if you do.It helps you feel grateful for being here and realise we are all connected,not separate entities.We are one. That reminds me of a poem by Walt Whitman.More sepecifically Oh me oh Life.One of my favourites.So much meaning in a few lines.The very fact that we are here,is a sign we are loved.We should be grateful we are alive and are able to contribute,even if it is just a verse. Oh me! Oh life! of the questions of these recurring, Of the endless trains of the faithless, of cities fill’d with the foolish, Of myself forever reproaching myself, (for who more foolish than I, and who more faithless?) Of eyes that vainly crave the light, of the objects mean, of the struggle ever renew’d, Of the poor results of all, of the plodding and sordid crowds I see around me, Of the empty and useless years of the rest, with the rest me intertwined, The question, O me! so sad, recurring—What good amid these, O me, O life? Answer. That you are here—that life exists and identity, That the powerful play goes on, and you may contribute a verse. Robin Williams is definitely more convincing in the movie Dead Poets Society. ... I hope you have a great remainder of your day.Be happy and grateful to be alive.If life gets you down, look out for a sign from the angels or the universe to keep you going.What will your verse be?Even if it is a small one, make sure it makes profound impact.Even if you touch one person's life in the smallest of ways, that already is a huge difference.
With love and Light, Lia |
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August 2021
CategoriesAuthorI am a passionate English teacher.Aspiring writer and speaker.I take educational matters to heart and hope to bring about some positive change in the field of education. |