Book Review: 18th October 2020 | Non-fiction | 'Young mind, young body' by Sue Zuang, H.C

Book review: Young mind, young body

Author: Sue Zuang, H.C

My Overall Rating: A well thought out and enjoyable read!

Today, it is with great pleasure that I review this beautifully written and thoughtful book on developing self-awareness and transformational healing by respected health coach and certified Holistic Health Practitioner, Sue Zuang.

Aspects of mindset development and transformational healing are discussed eloquently as follows...

The book begins by reviewing the foundations for cultivating young mind, young body and then moves onto discussions on the following aspects:-

Stress Removal and reduction: 

The detrimental effects of Life’s stresses and strains are well known.  The author describes how one can change our perspective to make time our ally, by living in the present, prioritising the most important things and living with gratitude.

Internal aspects - Spirituality and meditation: 

In this section the benefits of meditation on physical and mental health are well explained.

External aspects - Harmonious surroundings:  

It is vital that we cultivate harmonious relationships not only with our surroundings but also with other living beings.  One way of making room for this is by avoiding unproductive and unpleasant activities (such as harmful gossip and idle chit-chat) that drains us all of our energy and vitality.

Physical activity:  

We are introduced to the concepts of traditional non-functional and daily body movements as functional exercise.  Ideally, we would be wise to choose activities that (to coin a phrase form the author) help to reinforce the ‘profound calmness and quietude’ that should become the ‘baseline of our being’.

Meaning and purpose:  

It is very to important to constantly focus on our inner wishes, dreams, burning desires and passions.  We should continue to do what we love and keeping a journal can help track progress.  By doing this we create pure bliss that no one can take away from us.

Sleep:  

The only sure way to recharge, feel refreshed and energised.  The importance of REM sleep, proper bedtime schedules free from distractions is also highlighted with a link back to the spiritual realm through the process of dreaming.

Nutritional aspects: 

Here the author surveys the health benefits of good regular hydration and nutrition as part of a balanced diet.  It is a very good survey of the landscape which can be bewildering at times and then how to apply it by assembling three meals way of example.

Detoxification: 

The author discusses aspects of emotional, nutritional and environmental detoxification and cleansing strategies.

Dealing with Cravings:  

Here embracing our appetite is important and replacement with healthier choices whilst being mindful of avoiding the two extremes of over-indulgence and suppression.

Building and Maintaining a daily routine:  

We are all creatures of habit and building good habits is fundamental to creating and maintaining personal wellbeing.

Conclusions

This is a very well thought out book and I thoroughly enjoyed reading it.  It is a book to be savoured, wither by dipping into or (preferably) by reading cover to cover.  For me, as practicing Buddhist, it serves as an important reminder that we have the power to change our lifestyle choices.  I will be re-reading this from time to time and indulging in further research, aided by the excellent ‘References and Resources’ chapter. 

Overall a thoroughly well-deserved 5 stars to the extent that I think it really ought to be on everyone’s essential reading list!

International Workers Memorial Day 2020

A Day of Reflection...

Today at 11am I joined millions of people across the UK and billions globally by observing a one minute silence out of respect for the key workers as well as friends who have paid the ultimate price during this crisis. It was also a time to reflect and remember worker's families and friends who are still grieving for their loved ones.

Whilst the sacrifice of workers around the world is recognised every year, 2020 has all the more and special significance because of the Covid-19 Coronavirus pandemic.

Many thousands of key workers are on the frontline as the rest of the country are in lockdown. It is humbling to think that the whole country and indeed many parts of the world took part to remember the sacrifices those that paid the ultimate sacrifice. I too lost a very dear friend who was fighting for their life until very recently. It is very difficult to come to terms with.

Many key workers care for those suffering from Covid-19 and are delivering vital services – potentially putting their own safety and even their own lives and families at risk. We must recognise and never ever forget this.

Every day I reflect on the risks faced by my colleagues and family friends working in the health and social care sectors as well as those working in other sectors and behind the scenes. I also think deeply about all those impacted by the lockdown on personal, emotional and financial levels. All these people must never be forgotten and is the reason why we must foster an attitude of gratitude, not just today but for everyday.

I remain optimistic for a positive outcome to these difficult and challenging times... we will get through this crisis together.

Stay strong, stay safe, stay blessed!

With love and best wishes

Helpful links

Staying at home and away from others (social distancing)

https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/full-guidance-on-staying-at-home-and-away-from-others

COVID-19: guidance on social distancing and for vulnerable people*

https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/covid-19-guidance-on-social-distancing-and-for-vulnerable-people

*Note: This guidance is for everyone, including children and advises on social distancing measures we should all be taking to reduce social interaction between people in order to reduce the transmission of coronavirus (COVID-19).

Looking after your mental health while you have to stay at home

https://www.mentalhealth.org.uk/coronavirus

How to Stay Healthy at Home During the Coronavirus Lockdown

https://www.ecowatch.com/staying-healthy-coronavirus-lockdown-2645583333.html?rebelltitem=3#rebelltitem3

World Earth Day 2020

World Earth Day 22nd April 2020 - 50th Anniversary

World Earth Day - 22nd April 2020

Today marks the 50th Anniversary of World Earth Day. 

To celebrate it, I am showcasing a selection of my creations that embrace the wonders of mother nature and the truly positive impact it has on us all...

1. The Secret Glade

Here is the story behind it...

This painting is based on sketches from a vivid dream I had just before my son was born back in 2005.  It contains lots of symbolism and hidden meanings in the form of lotus flowers, streams and waterfall as well as a solitary stag.

Throughout history, the stag has been known as the king of the forest, the protector of all other creatures. It is a messenger, an animal of power, and represents sensitivity, intuition and gentleness.  In Buddhist folklore, deers and stags feature very prominently, particularly in Jataka Tales, or stories from the previous births of the Buddha.

The lotus pond represents life, fecundity, because it is rooted in the water and grows towards the sun.  The lotus is a symbol of purity, enlightenment, self-regeneration and rebirth. Its characteristics are a very good analogy for the human condition i.e. as even when its roots are in the muddiest and murkiest waters, the Lotus produces the most elegant flower.

The waterfall is an emblem of continuous motion, in our world in which the elements change ceaselessly while its shape remains the same.  It is known as a symbol of abundance, prosperity and good fortune.

The forest symbolises the need to trust your instincts to find your way out of challenging situations; It also alludes to an exploration of unconscious to “find yourself".   Other notable symbolism for the forest include the great connection with the that of the mother, as it is a place where life thrives in abundance.

Created: 25th October 2010
©2020 A. Kariyawasam

2. The falling leaves of Autumn

My music composition inspired by the beautiful colour changes and falling leaves of during the Autumn season.
© 2015 Adisha Kariyawasam

3. Summer Haze

A relaxing in-the-moment improvisation to evoke nostalgic memories of a hazy summer day. Includes birdsong sound effects for atmosphere.
© 2015 Composed, Performed and album art photo by Adisha Kariyawasam

Further Reading and Links of Interest

1. https://www.earthday.org/
2. https://ad1sha.blogspot.com/2020/04/book-reviews.html (features my review of the book Junglenomics by Simon M. Lamb)

Book Review : 19th April 2020 | Non-fiction | Junglenomics

A Review of the Book Junglenomics

(Click here to find out more about Junglenomics on Amazon (UK))

Author: Simon M Lamb

Reviewed by: Adisha Kariyawasam

My Overall Rating: A super, informative and topical read!

“Junglenomics: Nature’s solutions to the world environment crisis: a new paradigm for the twenty-first century and beyond”

Date read: 25 October 2019

To borrow a phrase from the preface of the book, we are fast approaching the 'last chance saloon'. Junglenomics is a complex, majestic book that not only is vast in scope but gives a clear, optimistic and persuasive account of how we can contribute to the rescue of our planet which has undergone such wilful neglect for so long.

The author, Simon Lamb, began this study some two decades ago based on the premise that the universe must have a rational, scientific explanation.

Junglenomics or 'Ecosystem Economics' explains how nature's blueprint must be applied to the economic world without delay so it can be guided to safety through amongst other things, the reformation environmentally destructive behaviour and markets.

The book is divided into 5 parts which logically follow on from each other and briefly summarised below:

PART 1. The economic Avatar 

This is an in-depth survey of our journey so far from hunter-gatherer to agricultural coloniser.

PART 2. The natural world - new ways to end destruction. 

This section discusses agriculture, the single biggest threat to land based species worldwide. Shocking statistics are brought to the fore e.g. in the time that you read the book, some ninety thousand acres of rainforest would have been felled! To counteract this there are programmes such as REDD (Reducing Emissions from Deforestation and forest Degradation) and REDD+ which promotes sustainable forest management, FME (Free Market Environmentalism) a market approach to environmental problem.

PART 3. The wildlife and Wilderness Conflict. 

This section discusses how large-scale poaching and illicit trades and environmental overexploitation can be counterbalanced by economic entities. Examples include Community-based conservation programmes such as CAMPFIRE Communal Areas Management Programme for Indigenous Resources whose primary interest is in restoring and protecting threatened species and environments. In terms of aquaculture, there are systems such as RA (Recirculating Aquaculture System) which represents the future of fish farming.

PART 4. The Great Valuation Divide. 

The developed world’s relationship with nature needs to be reinvented, bearing in mind that the true value of Nature and Natural assets and resources is essential to all conservation strategies. Not only management costs but the costs of extent of protection and “opportunity costs” need to be considered. These Opportunity Costs present a dilemma if particular choices are made and this is further explored in the text. The upshot of which these costs must be fully considered and evaluated in any cost-benefit calculation preceding any proposed development which could potentially negatively impact the environment. Careful consideration needs to be made to understand what Biodiversity Off-sets that need to be in place. There is also a discussion on Biodiversity Banking options and how they differ from a regular bank and alignment of the interests of farming and nature.

PART 5. Delivering Change. 

Change needs to be embraced. Especially if the alternative is disaster! As part of this change is the requirement for economists and ecologists to collaborate, without entering into blame games and playing into the politics of self-interest.

In summary, I strongly recommend people from all walks of life, not just those in power, read this book. We are living in a time of great opportunity and this book offers hope at a time of much chaos and disturbing complacency from many sectors of society. Our need for economic and ecological change is much more urgent than ever before. This book will help you recognise the opportunities to find the courage to grasp valuable opportunities to not only help us but make the world a better place for our children and future generations.

“We are the problem, yet within us lies the solution -
if only we have the understanding, the will, and imagination to find it”

It is very clear that the author Simon M. Lamb has channelled a phenomenal effort into creating this book and he presents his discussions clearly and eloquently. Therefore , I have no hesitation in awarding this book a thoroughly well-deserved five stars!  


Do check out the following website to find out more about the book and the rationale behind its creation:

 https://junglenomics.com/index.php/the-book/why

Further Reading:

1. An Introduction to Junglenomics, S.M.Lamb (Published: 27 June 2019)

https://junglenomics.com/index.php/blog/47-an-introduction-to-junglenomics-part-1

2. Nature's Blueprint,  S.M.Lamb Published: (05 July 2019)

https://junglenomics.com/index.php/blog/48-introduction-to-junglenomics-part-2

3. Saving the Planet: it’s all about Markets, S.M.Lamb (Published: 19 August 2019)

https://junglenomics.com/index.php/blog/49-introduction-to-junglenomics-part-3

Other websites of interest:

1. https://www.earthday.org/earth-day-2020/

Art Gallery

Art Gallery (Landscapes)

Author: Adisha Kariyawasam

“The goal of life is rapture. 

Art is the way we experience it. 

Art is the transforming experience.”

- Joseph Campbell(26 March 1904 - 30 October 1987)
(Professor of Literature and Prolific Author)

Welcome to my online art gallery... here is a small selection of my paintings and drawings along with some explanations of what prompted me to create them. More drawings and paintings will be uploaded soon!

Art List:

1. The Secret Glade
2. Kandy 'Dalada' Perahara
3. Ruwanweli Maha Seya
4. Moon River
5. Dawn

Exhibit 1: The Secret Glade

The Secret Glade

This painting is based on sketches from a vivid dream I had just before my son was born back in 2005.  It contains lots of symbolism and hidden meanings in the form of lotus flowers, streams and waterfall as well as a solitary stag.

Throughout history, the stag has been known as the king of the forest, the protector of all other creatures. It is a messenger, an animal of power, and represents sensitivity, intuition and gentleness.  In Buddhist folklore, deers and stags feature very prominently, particularly in Jataka Tales, or stories from the previous births of the Buddha.

The lotus pond represents life, fecundity, because it is rooted in the water and grows towards the sun.  The lotus is a symbol of purity, enlightenment, self-regeneration and rebirth. Its characteristics are a very good analogy for the human condition i.e. as even when its roots are in the muddiest and murkiest waters, the Lotus produces the most elegant flower.

The waterfall is an emblem of continuous motion, in our world in which the elements change ceaselessly while its shape remains the same.  It is known as a symbol of abundance, prosperity and good fortune.

The forest symbolises the need to trust your instincts to find your way out of challenging situations; It also alludes to an exploration of unconscious to “find yourself".   Other notable symbolism for the forest include the great connection with the that of the mother, as it is a place where life thrives in abundance.

Created: 25th October 2010
©2020 A. Kariyawasam

Back to Art List

Exhibit 2: Kandy 'Dalada' Perahara

Dalada Perahara, Kandy

This painting was inspired by a trip to Kandy, Sri Lanka that involved watching the spectacular perahara procession.

I gave this as a gift to my father on his 50th birthday. If you look closely:
Just behind the drummer, in the crowd can be seen my father and late grandparents.
Just to the left of the Kandyan dancer, next to the wall can be seen myself and my brother (sitting on the wall).

Created: 30th September 1991

©2020 A. Kariyawasam

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Exhibit 3: Ruwanweli Maha Seya

Ruwanweli Maha Seya - The Golden Sands Dagoba

My pencil drawing of Ruwanweli Maha Seya (රුවන්වැලි මහා සෑය) 'golden sands' Dagoba in the ancient city of Anuradhapura, Sri Lanka.

Created: 28th May 2011

©2020 A. Kariyawasam

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Exhibit 4: Moon River

Moon River

My painting: "Moon River" was inspired by the song composed by Henry Mancini with lyrics by Johnny Mercer. It was originally performed by Audrey Hepburn in the 1961 American romantic comedy film Breakfast at Tiffany's.

Moon river wider than a mile

I'm crossing you in style someday

Old dream maker, you heartbreaker

Wherever you're going I'm going your way

Two drifters off to see the world

There's such a lot of world to see

We're after the same rainbows end

Waiting round the bend

My huckleberry friend, moon river

And me...

Created: 20th October 2010

©2020 A. Kariyawasam

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Exhibit 5: Dawn

Dawn

Dawn at the the 'Roof of the World', the Himalayan Mountain Range.  I have always been intrigued by the fact that the Himalayas (which translates as "Abode of Snow") is the tallest, yet one of the youngest mountain range on the planet at 25 Million Years Old.  The tectonic plates on which they lie are still the cause of India colliding into Tibet and as a result are a source of numerous earthquakes and tremors.  The mountain range is most notable for the fact that it is the only one that spans six different countries, namely:
Afghanistan, Bhutan, India, Nepal, Pakistan and Tibet.
This picture is a high-speed painting that was completed within one day, an hour to be precise!  The cloudscape was inspired by one that I remember seeing when travelling back home from work.  I will never forget the way the beams of sunlight broke through the silver lining of the clouds after a particularly heavy rainfall.  That image has stuck in my memory ever since.

I include an image of Mount Everest on the right hand side and this mountain has always fascinated me from an early age.  It is steeped in much history and mythology.  Mt. Everest is called “Samgarmatha” by the Nepalese and this can be translated as “Goddess of the Universe” or “Forehead of the Sky.”  It is also called 'Chomolungma', by the Tibetans which means "Goddess Mother of Mountains".


Created: 26th October 2010

©2020 A. Kariyawasam

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Expansive Music Compositions

A selection of Expansive Music Compositions

Author: Adisha Kariyawasam

“Expansive music… music created in the moment contains a myriad of possible outcomes, and is able to be something that goes beyond the underlying architecture.”

- Myra Melford
(American avant-garde jazz pianist and composer)

Introduction

Over the years I have been composing many pieces of music that have collectively formed part of a formidable musical library. The craft of composing music is extremely rewarding and gives me meditative focus and a tremendous amount of satisfaction.  My style can be described as improvisational as many of the pieces are created 'in the moment'.  In turn, this style lends itself well to the creation of 'expansive music' as expressed in the quote at the top of this post.  What follows in this post is a selection of these tracks for your listening pleasure.  Where possible, I have also created visuals to accompany the audio tracks.

Music list:

1. Life Force
2. Sunrise
3. Metacognition
4. Meditation by Moonlight
5. Eternal Dream

* Tip: On smartphones, select 'Listen in browser' option to hear the audio tracks directly and bypass installing the SoundCloud App.

Track 1: Life Force

Life Force is an electronic instrumental piece of music inspired by that spark of fire and energy that lives at the core of our being, from where Strength, Courage, Vitality, and Peace of Mind flows. I wanted to write a piece of music that told a story of evolutionary transformation and cultural change. You will hear it grow from a very timid simple repeating 16 note melody foundation that evolves into a bold military style piece and this was no accident. 

Created: 9th Dec 2015

©2020 A. Kariyawasam

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Track 2: Sunrise

Sunrise is an expansive piece of music, created 'in-the-moment' and inspired by the light nature and knowledge provided by our primary energy source, the sun. We are blessed to wake up each day and witness the miracle of life. I hope this piece inspires you.

Created: 5th June 2016

©2020 A. Kariyawasam

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Track 3: Metacognition

A gentle, improvised 'in the moment' instrumental inspired by the word "Metacognition".  Metacognition is a higher-order thinking that enables understanding, analysis, and control of one’s cognitive processes, especially when engaged in learning."


Created: 8th Dec 2016

©2020 A. Kariyawasam


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Track 4: Meditation by Moonlight

A calming instrumental improvisation inspired by the light of a full moon.

Created: 27th Sep 2015

©2020 Photo and music by A. Kariyawasam


Back to Music List

Track 5: Eternal Dream

This track was created in 2015 and is A gentle 'in-the-moment' meditative instrumental composition to help with relaxation.  The visuals in the video below was especially selected to complement the music.

©2020 Video and music by A. Kariyawasam

Back to Music List

The Extraordinary History and Development of the Violin

[Image Source/Credit: https://hipwallpaper.com/view/gZfty6]

The Extraordinary History and Development of the Violin

Author: Adisha Kariyawasam

Introduction

I am passionate about the violin from artistic, technical and musical points of view. From a very young age I became fascinated in the mythology, history and development of this unique instrument and take this opportunity to present a summary. Whilst it is not intended to be an exhaustive survey and certain facts are open to debate, I hope this short piece will allow readers to gain a greater appreciation of this beautiful string instrument and that it will also serve as a basis for further study and research.

5000BC: The Ravanahatha

(Variant names: Ravanhatta, Rawanhattha, Ravanastron, Ravanahasta Veena)

The Ravanahatha

The Ravanahatha was an ancient bowed-violin with two strings. It was once popular in Western India and Sri Lanka.

This ancient Indian stringed musical instrument can be considered the blueprint for which western stringed musical instruments such as the present day violin and viola were later based.

From India, the Ravanahatha travelled westwards to the Middle East and Europe, where in the 9th century, it came to be called the Ravan.
According to Hindu mythology, the Ravanahatha was brought from Sri Lanka to India by the Hindu God, Lord Pawanputra Hanuman.

9th Century: The Rabab

There is general agreement that the instrument that we know as the modern violin originated from the Arabic Rabab.

The Rabab

Like the Ravanahatha, this instrument had two strings that were made of silk attached to an endpin and strung to pegs that were used to tune the strings in fifths. The Rabab was fretless and had a a pear-shaped body that was made of gourd (a fleshy, typically large fruit with a hard skin) and had a long neck.

This instrument was held on one's lap and played using a bow with a resin that was rubbed on to its string, much like rosin on a present day violin bow. Although no images or examples exist of this instrument it is described in documents dating from the late 9th century.

11th Century: The Rebec

Shortly after the European crusades, an instrument called the Rebec, based on the Rabab appeared first in Spain during the middle 11th century.

The Rebec

The Rebec differed from the Arabic Rabab very slightly: The Rebec had three strings instead of two, its body was made of wood rather than gourd and the instrument was placed on the shoulder when playing rather than on the lap.

13th Century: The Vielle

The Vielle appeared in 13th century France and differed from the Rebec significantly. 

The Vielle

The Vielle had five strings, a larger body that was closer in shape to the modern violin and had ribs to enable greater flexibility when bowed. It is interesting to note that the name Vielle was later used to refer to a different instrument - vielle à rue (vielle à roue) - or as it is more commonly known - the hurdy-gurdy.

The Viol

Furthermore, during the Renaissance era, (1400-1600) there also existed bowed string instrument called viols. 

These instruments had six strings in total, tuned in 4th with a 3rd in the middle:

- A D G B E A.  

Whilst small viols were held on the lap, and the larger ones were held between the knees, which gave them the name of viol da gamba, meaning 'a leg viol'.

15th Century. The Viola di Braccio

(Variant names: Lira di Braccio, Lira da Braccio)

The Viola di Braccio

The Viola di Braccio (or "viol of the arm") appeared in 15th century in Italy.

Whilst it retained the general shape and size of the Vielle it had a reduction in number of strings from five to three strings much like the Rebec.

Also, for the first time, the C shaped sound holes of the rebec and Vielle were replaced by the now familiar f shaped sound holes that are used on modern violins.

16th Century: The Violin

The violin, by all accounts, originated in Northern Italy during the first half of the 16th century. However, the "inventor" of it was unknown and remains open to discussion.

That said, most scholars credit Andrea Amati of Cremona (c.1511-1577), as the first known violin maker since there exists documentation of two violins he created between 1542 and and 1546.

The 16th century violin

However, these instruments had only three strings, like the rebec. The first four string violin, also by Andrea Amati, was dated 1555. Also, the oldest surviving violin, c.1560, was created by Andrea Amati.

Other scholars disputed Andrea Amati's claim as the first violin maker and instead awarded this tribute to Gasparo di Bertolotti da Salò (Gasparo da Salo) of Brescia (c.1540-1609). Their rationale was that Andrea Amati was trained by lute makers; in fact, documents do exist describing Amati as a lute maker and few of Amati's violins survive.

Reasons dictated that since the violin was a new instrument form, the term "violin maker" would have been unknown; furthermore, there exist documents describing a sale of 24 violins by Andrea Amati to Charles IX of France in 1560; and it only takes one surviving violin to prove Amati created violins and there are 14 Amati instruments that are known to have survived.

Finally, it is interesting to note that the violin may have been introduced back in to India and Sri Lanka around 1790 by military bandsmen in the East India Company, many of whom were of Irish descent.

(*All source information and images are derived from the public domain)

Further Reading

1. http://www.fiddlingaround.co.uk/ - A great source of information about the violin and its folk counterpart, the fiddle and its influence all over the world.