Dear Blog Readers,
On this first day of January, 2018, may I start by wishing each and every one of you a very Happy New Year and all good things for the year ahead!
Although New Year is a man-made concept, this period around mid-winter is a natural time of drawing inward and reflection on seasons past as well as things to come. Those of us who lost loved ones during the past year, or have had to deal with other major challenges, face seasons ahead from perhaps a somewhat different perspective than in the past.
Amid the constantly shifting kaleidoscope of our lives, it’s always helpful to remember that it is not our circumstances that defines us, but the way we respond to those circumstances. And that whatever our outward situation, all that is of ultimate importance is our inner development. Cultivating inner peace helps us deal with whatever life hands us, good or bad. And when we die, our mental state is the only thing we may take with us.
Such simple messages but they are the first thing I forget when I need them most of all. It is my good fortune, however, to have a teacher who never lets me forget them for long!
Here’s wishing you profound inner peace, and may your year ahead be filled with love, compassion, joy and equanimity!
By way of a quick update on my own plans for 2018:
A new book in The Dalai Lama’s Cat series
After a few years on His Holiness’s windowsill, eavesdropping on all kinds of conversations, and engaged in adventures new, HHC is currently working on a new book. Both the title of the book, as well as time of publication, are up in the air at present. But if you are a subscriber to this blog, I will be keeping you updated. You’ll certainly be among the first to know when it is about to be published!
The Dalai Lama’s Cat movie
The computer graphic imaging team have been struggling to create an HHC that will engage the hearts and minds of viewers. There have been several attempts. I’m hoping it won’t be long before I can share the film version of HHC with you in the form of a teaser trailer, which will be shown to potential distributors to attract investment. Watch this space!
Mindful Safari
In August 2018 I am leading Mindful Safaris both to Victoria Falls as well as Makalali Private Game Reserve. Within weeks of announcing the safaris, a couple of months ago, both were sold out. So I’m pleased to announce that we’ve put together another Mindful Safari at Victoria Falls for the week beginning Saturday 28 July. I offer more information in the one minute video below. Please act quickly to reserve your spot by emailing my Travel Manager partner, Barbara Turner at: barbarat@travelmanagers.com.au. I expect this safari will be fully booked by the end of January.
https://business.facebook.com/davidmichieauthor/videos/1711550018890230/
For more about the Mindful Safari experience go to: https://davidmichie.com/mindful-safari/
Thank you, Alan Parker, for the gorgeous lioness picture used at the top of this blog. Alan came on Mindful Safari in 2017 and we look forward to more of his dry sense of humour on the back of the Land Rover in August 2018!
Podcasting
I have recently taken the plunge and invested in a podcasting microphone, boom arm and the various paraphernalia needed to begin podcasting. For those of you who like to listen to things, instead of only reading them, I hope to soon be offering you short stories, guided meditations and other resources to help you cultivate greater happiness and inner peace!
When I was a teenager, I had a burning ambition to get into broadcasting – for a while, I was a DJ at a local hospital – so I’m really looking forward to trying out this medium as a new way to communicate the messages I feel are so important. Back to the future!
Videos
During the course of 2017 I have been far more active in creating one minute videos as a means of communicating key messages about my work. Not everyone who reads this blog will have seen these on my two Facebook pages David Michie Author and Dalai Lama’s Cat. In case you’ve missed them, and may find them of interest, I’m pasting a few links below. (You can access all my videos on my Youtube channel: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCwKjLBIIlJv62kydWY2TLkg)
Images and messages from Mindful Safari 2017:
Why I wrote Buddhism for Pet Lovers:
Why I wrote The Magician of Lhasa:
Some of the powerful metaphors explored in The Queen’s Corgi: On Purpose:
To review my books and read any of their first chapters, go to: http://davidmichie.com/books-audio/
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