oh glory be! a Conscious Club
Frankly, I’m bored. Mostly. Not of life. But of my ways. I want to live more, I want to live life more fully, I want to engage. I cry this out from my very being sometimes. But I default often to pastimes and company that are not always full of growth. You too?
Frankly, again, I’m crying out for intimate relationships with big minds and hearts. I want true relationship. I want to relate. And be intimate.
It’s been too long. Honestly. I’m being frank here.
Now I say all this as a preamble to a concept that my meditation teacher Tim and a few others have devised, that you might be interested in. On Wednesday next week The Conscious Club launches in Sydney – a night of real chats, real thinking, real food with folk after same. In the founder’s words:
The Conscious Club was born of the ever increasing desire of many to enjoy a social outing that was fun, social, informative and uplifting in every way.
Devised by Tim Brown, Gary Gorrow and Lee Te Hira on the basis that they and so many of their friends were tired of going to the same old pub or club, yelling at each other for a number of hours before coming home with a hoarse voice and a hangover and nothing to show for it they devised The Conscious Club.
“The idea was everyone is going out to clubs and getting UNCONSCIOUS, so we thought we would create a club where you could have a fun night out getting CONSCIOUS!”
The deets:
Wednesday. In Bondi. 6.30pm. $30, including dinner. I’m guessing the crowd will be 20-40-somethings, with interesting spirits to share. Sadly, I can’t go, but for more info, go here.
Let me know how it goes. I’d bloody love to be there. While we’re at…perhaps you know of some conscious gatherings with minds seeking same in your area that you’d like to alert everyone to? The space below is all yours….
I might be a bit slow here, but is this just a singles night?
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Hey, someone just removed the first comment! Freedom of speech I say.
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August 18th, 2011 at 9:04 am
Yep, I had very good reason to. First time I’ve done it. And I’ve tried to email the commenter, but her email is fake.
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This sounds divine and I wish I lived in Bondi, I’d be there with bells on! Might have to create a club in NZ
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August 18th, 2011 at 9:31 am
Good on you Tracy, we need to open up & give a bit of love & understanding to each other.
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I am so in! Have been seeking something just like this. Whenever I go to yoga/kirtan/meditation events that is when I feel connected to a group of like-minded but am always craving more dialogue and interaction after the experience. This is perfect.
Thanks for sharing Sarah.
Claire
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I love it Sarah, conscious club, I’m trying to open up people & their minds with a spiritual book discussion group. What you have written here is so heart felt &beautiful, so many people seem to be trying for same thing, they want a better existence & I have a feeling we know that there is a better existence, we might make it yet.
With our group, I am finding it hard to get males interested, males just don’t get it, they are still running away from real love & understanding!!
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August 18th, 2011 at 9:38 am
Hi Mathew, where is your group based? I’d love to hear more about it? Good work for trying to open up people and their minds.
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August 18th, 2011 at 10:01 am
Maryborough Qld Claire. I will give you a link you might like:
http://members.optusnet.com.au/~acceptance/YourPurposeWeb/APurposeToLifeCover.htm
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September 5th, 2011 at 3:12 pm
What study book? I love” transcending the levels of consciousness “by David Hawkins. Trying to start a club in Adelaide, great conscious minds unite!! Belinda Hannaford
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I know you’ve heard this umpteenth (??a word) times before, but why is it, that your blog Sarah is written as if it speaks DIRECTLY to me ???( as well as most others that read the blog I know)
I too feel extremely disconnected ( in Hobart) and have done so for some time. I can’t seem to find others that share my ( and your) sentiment. I know everyone thinks that I’m a poor lost soul and doesn’t know which way I should turn after (trying again) to leave a much unfulfilling pharmacy career. My friends seem to have no trouble being a pharmacist, but I want more and then I doubt myself and feel very ungrateful for doing so, which then leads me to beating myself up and trying to just live like everyone else but I then crash and burn can’t keep faking it.
I have been tryinng to find and think of all sorts of ways and connecting with others. I have lovely beautiful friends, but I feel extremely alone??????????? I woudl love a conscious club in Tassie ( and yes I could start one) but without finding other support, I know I will struggle.
Thank you for not making me feel alone with this feeling anyway.xx
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August 18th, 2011 at 11:09 am
I am in exactly the same situation with my career as an economist, and with finding kindred spirits. Everyone else seems to be able to go along and enjoy *this* but I just can’t. I want something more. I hope you find what you yearn for. I believe that if we stay attentive we will find what we’re seeking.
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August 18th, 2011 at 1:50 pm
Thank goodness for this blog!!! and internet (although I often have the opposite feeling about the net).
Thank you Stephanie too, seems like we’re kinda in the same boat – don’t suppose you’re a Tassie chick by chance to get this club thingy happening??) I like the comment that if you “stay attentive” you will find it. Thanks for being positive and I’ll definately take that on board xx
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August 18th, 2011 at 12:39 pm
Ha Bella…themes travel about in little packs, I think. We’re all in this together…Start a group…see what happens…worse case, only one or two people comel. x
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August 18th, 2011 at 10:08 pm
Hi Bella, Unfortunately I’m on the other side of the world! (Canada) Would love to see Tasmania one day though.
Listen to Sarah – I feel confident that you can gets something going. I think I’m going to do the same by looking around in arts cafes, etc. It will be a challenge!
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Whoaaaaaaaaaaa – this has honestly MADE MY THURSDAY.
I’ll be there with bells on, and I’m bringing my boyfriend too, under the guise of a “Mystery Date”. Hahaha!
I can’t wait.
Thanks so much Sarah – I honestly adore your blog, you really are contributing in a massive way.
Gen x
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Ok, people are having trouble understanding what they feel, this link might help:
http://members.optusnet.com.au/~acceptance/YourPurposeWeb/APurposeToLifeCover.htm
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I too feel more than a little disconnected. Have done for a long time actually. Nice to know I’m not the only one who feels that way.
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I think it’s sad that you are bored and that you are crying out for an intimate relationship.
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August 18th, 2011 at 11:20 am
Wouldn’t it be ‘sadder’ to crawl up into a shell and not seek something which you do not have but desire?? I guess some people can get depressed when they feel like they can’t take control, so I think it is admirable and a great source of inspiration!!!
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I often feel exactly this yearning, Sarah. I want to live more fully and richly. My body often feels as though it’s vibrating with that desire – to share the joy of learning and digging more deeply into things I care about. It’s difficult to find those deep connections though, and I’ve been unsuccessful in the city in which I’ve lived for the last four years. I’m as a result quite envious of those who can join this group. I hope you find some new opportunities for growth that excite you soon!
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August 19th, 2011 at 7:33 am
Stephanie, look at starting something yourself, it’s not hard, I’ve started a book discussion group with our first topic being The Celestine Prophecy by James Redfield & now we talk about a lot of different topics including ourselves or you could do something different, gust give it a try.
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August 19th, 2011 at 9:53 am
Thanks for the encouragement, Mathew!
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This sounds so goooooodddd ! I think everyone could use more conciousness in their lives, i know I definately could! Wish I was there too Sarah! Surely they will hold another that we can all go too? ; ) xoxo
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August 18th, 2011 at 12:41 pm
You could sing at it?!
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Thank you!
Yes, I’ll be there ….. and I look forward to meeting you all! How exciting! It’s like a dream come true
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I was just thinking about this this morning and the concept of community in terms of what do I actually do. And then I realised I have been doing a Group thing every Thursday night for 3+ hours for what is coming up to 5 years. It started as a Men’s Group of 8-10 people (4 of us have stayed the 5 years) with a single purpose and has evolved to a mixed group with a multi-purpose. It helps to have this sense of belonging or common purpose and to have a mediator/convenor.
Anyway, I thought I’d share that the group is now based on something called Gestalt Theory/Therapy if you want to have a look at it or do a little research. Most references to it can be a bit confusing so I thought I’d try to explain by giving an example of how it works for us: We usually check in with one another each week as to what is going on for us. It would usually eventuate that we get out teeth into one subject/person. Quite often it starts with content (the story of what has been going on and what is troubling someone). That’s just content and usually not that important. What is important is teh process. We learn to speak to one another in the ‘now’, how we perceive one another, for example “I feel really anxious when I hear what you’re saying, I sense you feel really stuck and frustrated and……..” or “I feel frustrated and annoyed………” etc etc.
It’s all about getting in touch with the whole, firstly feeling what is going on below the head/thinking/judging and just expressing that and how we perceive one another in teh group. This gives us an idea of how people perceive us – the public self, because we can be sure that how we’re perceived by others in the group is how our partner/s, family & friends, workplace and collegues also perceive us. That allows us to either just accept those things we hear that might be uncomfortable/confronting but we feel we can live with or we have the choice to change. We can be sure that if we change the way we relate to others then the way they react/relate to us will also change. And I’m a true believer that the problems we face in life are all about inter-relationships, not about how to pay the bills, not how to lose weight, not how to I can afford that new car. All our problems in life that cause us real pain and suffering are about our relationships with one another.
I promise you taht it is scary and confronting for quite a while and it shakes things in me still after 5 years. I was brought back to my knees/humbled again last Thursday night and felt depressed and sorry for myself on Friday. Once that grieving is over I have learnt to move on, be mnindful of what I now know and choose to gradually change if I want. Very empowering.
My best friends in the world are these 8 people I meet each Thursday night. They know me better than I know myself sometimes. I remember going one Thursday night and I never (rarely) put myself forward (better helping others than taking a risk….just ego!) and someone said “what the hell is going on for you, are you ok?”…….I thought I had hidden it, I broke down in tears.
It;s intimate, it’s beautiful, it’s scary, it’s comfronting but it is the most rewarding thing I have probably ever stuck with……even though my ego tried to talk me out of it and to leave teh group in early days, something deep down kept me coming back because it knew the benefits.
Good luck.
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August 18th, 2011 at 1:03 pm
Ohhhhh…….one more thing – rules: what’s said in group stays in group; if we happen across one another or meet outside group not to speak about one another or if we do be prepared to bring it to group and say it face to face, no verbal or physical threatening…..oh and if it’s gonna last……ring in to the convenor if you can’t make it, people worry and the respect thing!
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Sarah I love your honesty.. it’s so important to realise what isn’t working in life and ‘put it out there’. Being bored is a positive thing, it’s what made you conscious of what you needed. How good is that?
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Sarah, do you generally get bored with people easily?
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Hi Sarah,
I know you hear this often but this post absolutely resonated with me.
I have been feeling bored like you have described for a long while now and in fact, my facebook status update the other day was “wants more”. It’s not that I want more material possessions or more money, but I want more out of life.
I think my problem is that I feel numb and not alive. I want to feel connected and feel love and friendship but to the extreme. I know deep down I shouldn’t complain because I have a marvellous job that people would kill for, I get paid a lot of money doing it, I have a wonderful boyfriend, great friends and a loving family but I still yearn for more. I want to feel electric and I feel like I sit in an office and waste away while my life ticks on with this constant feeling of numbness and disconnectedness.
I love the idea of the conscious club and wished I lived in Sydney as I would definitely go along. If anyone knows of similar clubs in Adelaide I would love to hear about them.
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August 19th, 2011 at 7:45 am
Lucy, you’re feeling a connection with kindred ship, you know there is more but you can’t grasp what it is. It seems a fair few of us are feeling a wanting of love & understanding not the lustful life we have been living, we want real love!!
Start up a book discussion group, I did & we now talk freely about anything including ourselves. It doesn’t need to be set up on book reading; it could be based on anything you desire.
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So sayeth Wiki : Genuine intimacy in human relationships requires dialogue, transparency, vulnerability and reciprocity.
Scary !!
p.s. I’m bored too ..
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August 19th, 2011 at 8:51 pm
Love it. Vulnerability, transparency and reciprocity are so crucial to meaningful, fulfilling relationships. I want this!
Great topic Sarah. Would love more on this.
X
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I like the concept…. It appears that you are not the only one crying out for intimate relationships with big minds and hearts….I have locked in a girl friend to come with who is uber excited. Look forward to reporting back.
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I actually had this very conversation at lunchtime today. I actually mimed (to my very understanding friend) feeling like I was in a glass box – to the bemusement of the next table.
I love my friends, but they are content to spend all their down time at the pub, doing the same thing and having the same conversations we have had for 5 years. Except every few years its about a different type of car that everyone wants, or a bigger house that everyone can afford… you get the drift. The difficult thing is that they are WONDERFUL, really wonderful, and I adore them. Its me, and my need for my… experience to be bigger and broader.
I WANT TO HAVE AN INTERESTING CONVERSATION.
The Consciousness Club sounds fascinating – don’t live in Sydney, so I won’t be there, but I hope everyone who can make it really enjoys themselves!
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August 19th, 2011 at 4:30 pm
Have you tried broadening the conversation with your friends? You never know, they may all be sitting there thinking the same thing!! A lot of the comments above seem to mention being disconcerted with the apparent narrow interests of people’s friends, but be brave, try to steer the conversation to brighter pastures. It may not work, of course…. but it might!
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I’m sure there are many men out there who would love to be intimate with you Sarah! Why limit it to big minds & hearts though – go for a big dick also HAHAHAH
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August 19th, 2011 at 4:06 pm
Oh for f*ck’s sake.
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August 19th, 2011 at 5:23 pm
Lewd & Rude & Seriously Unfunny. You won’t have a hope in hell with Classy Chicks like Sarah. You’re a Neanderthal.
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August 22nd, 2011 at 9:28 pm
Thanks fellas!!
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August 22nd, 2011 at 9:43 pm
No Worries. Some things just cannot be left unsaid…. Keep up the good work!
I know what you mean. Unluckily I’m in Perth or I would attend. I feel disconnected from the world lately, and I think a lot of people do, Sarah.
Thanks for being honest & making the rest of us feel less alone.
xx
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August 19th, 2011 at 7:57 am
Mia, you are one of many, you are not alone by far. I started up a book discussion group with the main topic focusing on spirituality, it worked, we just about talk about anything now, give something like this a try, you never know.
We are going through a change of human consciousness; this is why so many people feel lost within the selves. The main problem is I can’t get any blokes interested in our group because were about love & understanding not lustful desires.
Keep in touch with Sarah’s blog.
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August 19th, 2011 at 5:23 pm
Thanks Mathew.
That’s sweet.
It’s not so much that I feel lost in myself, more that I feel lost in the world. Like I dont know where my place is. Kind of like a lost sock in the tumble dryer of life…
Good luck with your group! xx
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August 20th, 2011 at 6:11 pm
Hi Mia,
I really like your ‘lost sock in the tumble dryer of life’, sad and funny and happens at my place a lot.
Chances are the matching sock will appear and share the bumps and burns of tumbling through life.
Regards, William
This sounds like the cup of tea that I’m after right now Sarah – thank you!
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Is it boredom or discontent?
Or maybe both!!!
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This sounds awesome. I’d feel a bit awkward going alone though! Will see if I can pluck up the courage
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August 19th, 2011 at 5:55 am
Hi Emily, others will feel awkward too. Remember though, you’ll be in a room with open hearted, conscious people, so I’m sure there will be people there that you’ll connect with. You might like to imagine yourself attending and having an absolutely brilliant time and leaving after the meeting feeling really happy you went. Just an idea
All the best x
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August 19th, 2011 at 7:59 am
Well put Tracy!!!
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August 19th, 2011 at 8:43 am
Thanks Mathew, I can see you’re really passionate about this subject which is absolutely fantastic! Funny you mentioned The Celestine Prophecy, I’ve just ordered this from the library for my teenage daughter. At 17 she is awakening to her consciousness, which obviously I’m delighted about and wants to read and learn. I thought this would be a great book to start with, as it’s such a great read and so easy to learn from. All the best
August 19th, 2011 at 9:13 pm
I might just do that. Thanks for the push, Tracy. And I love your blog too!
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August 20th, 2011 at 9:03 am
Thanks Emily! All the best
Wonderful post Sarah! I too feel disconnected from the world at times.
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“I’m crying out for intimate relationships with big minds and hearts. I want true relationship. I want to relate. And be intimate”.
AMEN! I would love to go to something like this. I have a couple of dear, dear people in my life – you know, kindred spirits – and I’m so grateful for my friendships with them. But by and large, I feel a little bit like a black sheep within the community of people I belong to. I crave being surrounded by more like minded people.
I was besotted by a very attractive man I recently met. I had a good feeling that he was just the kind of person I’ve been wanting to meet. I was excited to have finally been asked on a date and was eager to get to know him and feel a connection. 3 dates in I discover that what I thought I had been wanting is not actually what I want. What I really want is someone who is a seeker, is passionate about things, feels deeply. Someone who wants to really live, consciously. Someone who believes – I almost don’t care what they believe in as long as they are being authentic. There need to be things that really matter to them that inform their beliefs and how they live.
*sigh*
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August 19th, 2011 at 8:02 am
Paula, may be it’s not an intimate relationship your after, it might be kindred ship with many people.
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Sarah, you stumbled onto a very feeling topic, or did you stumble, but any way it’s had a big impact, you have a blog site that is giving, to a similar extent, people what the conscious blub is.
I’m quite amazed in how many people are unsettled, I thought most people where caught up in there materialism too much to notice the change within themselves. We are coming up to a change in human consciousness; you’re going to feel things that don’t seem normal.
There are sites that can help people understand, you don’t need to agree on what they are talking about, just keep an open mind.
I have a blog that I have just revamped to make it more legibly understandable, mrmathew1963,blogpot.com, this has links to other sites that are much more informative.
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August 22nd, 2011 at 9:29 pm
Matthew, thanks for all your kinds words here!
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August 22nd, 2011 at 11:06 pm
The thought just occurred to me that Buddha was precisely in the same situation many of us find ourselves in this materialistic world ie with wealth levels the highest its ever been in the developed nations,the level of unhappiness has skyrocketed…. Like us, he was a Hindu prince with all the materialistic comforts at his disposal, but when confronted with the harshness of the real world, he felt such a great disconnect that he walked away from it all to live a life in solitude & meditation in order to achieve a higher level of consciousness. Forgive me if this account is not fully accurate, but I just find the parallels intriguing……
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August 23rd, 2011 at 8:41 am
Terry thanks for your thought, you’re precise enough & yes I agree that we do seem to be confronted with the same dilemmas today.
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August 23rd, 2011 at 12:08 pm
Thanks Matthew, It wld seem to me that the fancy cars, houses, shoes & dresses & even relationships are but a temporary balm to distract us from the underlying malaise that many feel. Like taking a Panadol, they only serve to mask the pain, but are not the “Cure” or solution in any way. Only by being more conscious & aware can we address the real problem. I think Deepak Chopa said that Happiness is already within each & everyone of us & we only have to release it (thru self awareness I imagine). Real happiness & self-fulfillment is not achieved from things external to ourselves such as an object or another person, but only from within. This was probably covered in the “Happiness” blog by Sarah but probably well worth revisiting….
“I’m crying out for intimate relationships with big minds and hearts. I want true relationship. I want to relate. And be intimate”.
I feel that this a common call in 2011. Internet etc gives a wider variety of “friends/acquantances” but makes it easier for them to be superficial as we can relate through words on a screen without any emotional connect.
I have found by doing life together with people from my church the true relationship gap has been partly bridged.
Vine Church Surry Hills
vinechurch.com.au/
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Thanks Sarah. I’ll be in Sydney for the week so I’ve just bought tickets. Looking forward to something a little different!
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Sarah,
Thanks for another thought provoking Friday… Whilst in Byron Shire have you considered attending Satsangs (at Mevlana) or a gathering at Red Tent Yoga ( Arts & Industry Estate) or 5 Rhythms Dances (various halls) or the likes? Byron has many groups with deep connection & discussion possibilities… it’s not all drum banging workshops! Though I can just see you in the Samba Blisstas
I’m with you. There is soooooooooo much more to life than chats dissing the local Council – and really, who cares what the Lady Bla Bla is wearing this week?
Thank you for opening up this topic – I agree with James – the way us humans relate & connect is the core of our existence and our future. We need to dig deep for deep conversations.
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August 20th, 2011 at 3:21 pm
Hey, yeah I’ve heard of the above…I went to something last night that was a bit along these lines…the 5 Rhythms scares me though!!! A bit tooo intimate!
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So funny, I mentioned I would love a conscious club in NZ, I was invited to meet a couple of ladies two days ago and just got back from meeting them. It’s a conscious club!!!
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August 19th, 2011 at 3:15 pm
A coincidence it is not, did you read the Celestine Prophecy or any other book written by James Redfield, quite amazing stories on coincidences within his adventures.
It’s quite amazing what thought vibrations can do but only if it’s ment to be.
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August 19th, 2011 at 4:16 pm
I have read The Celestine Prophecy and I love the wonderful experiences that occur in my life – that I create, through intention, that others think are coincidences
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August 19th, 2011 at 3:41 pm
Gorgeous!
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Awesome post, Sarah! Love the theme/ideals of this club–def something to start up at my uni in US. Would like start a new trend among the uni students–take a break from the nightly party and binge drinking for an illuminating, uplifting, and peaceful evening. Hope I can get one going…
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Hi Sarah, this discussion night at Bondi really sounds great. Can you tell me, have these people ran this sort of function before? I have seen a few functions like this fail in past for a number of reasons, The main reason was; there was no real understanding among participants as to how a group should function, strong personalities would take over, and others reclined or just let others do the leg work. I always felt that to have an exciting dynamic group, you need to have an agreement between the participants as to how they will function. This does not mean the group has to be formal, it just means that each member of the group knows the rules, and where each person is coming from. Do you know if the organisers have thought about these issues?
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August 19th, 2011 at 10:38 pm
Scott Peck had some great ideas about community building and how to manage groups. Perhaps this could be one of the topics discussed at Bondi.
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August 20th, 2011 at 3:12 pm
Right On Suzana, Managing a group should be the responsibility of every one in the group, and not left to one individual. Would be good to start discussion from that point.
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Doesn’t this all seem to pale into insignificance when death hits. I have never met Paul Lockyer or the cameraman or pilot who were killed today but the tributes to them and the impact they have made on the lives of others has touched me deeply. sometimes we need to sit back and really think about our role here, and the impact of our lives on those around us. When we die, what will people say? I’m damn sure it won’t be the same beautiful things that are being said about these men…maybe I need need to stop thinking about myselfand start thinking about those around me. that may bring me the contentment that we all seek at some stage.
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August 20th, 2011 at 9:27 am
I was also touched by these deaths yesterday ..
and merran .. who knows what will be said about you or me when we die ??
Might be some really nice stuff ..
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Actually getting ‘Conscious Awareness ‘ is what life and death are really all about, as when we die Consciousness is mostly all we are left with,
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August 19th, 2011 at 8:46 pm
Yes, Conscious Awareness = Enrichment of our Souls, which is all it’s about, I reckon…..
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Dear Merran,
The reference ‘doesn’t this all pale into insignificance when death hits’ really shows that you don’t seem to have an understanding or ‘Take’ on death. So rather than disrespecting this topic about getting more ‘Conscious’ and really living, I think we owe it to ourselves and others to get more ‘Conscious’ and share that with others,
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I certainly wasn’t trying to ‘disrespect’ anything, but really saying that I need to focus on those around me to bring contentment. Perhaps simply, that is what consciousness is.
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August 20th, 2011 at 3:20 pm
I understood what you meant! x
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Sounds great but wht about a session in Melbourne???
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Anything like this in Melbourne?
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Reading your blog entry and all the comments following makes me realise why the “A”s like AA (Alcoholics Anonymous), NA (Narcotics Anonymous), GA (Gamblers Anonymous) etc work so well. People get together to share and support without judgement. The crux of healing is in ending the feeling of isolation by surrounding oneself with a community that understands, cares and is inclusive without exorbitant conditions.
All of the addictions are simply mental illnesses borne of maladjustment and the resultant loneliness in a stratified society that bases so much on appearances and achievement and so little on individual uniqueness, companionship and the realm of the spirit. Just because someone doesn’t manifest their disjointedness in a recognised addiction doesn’t mean they are not on the way to mental illnesses such as depression.
It seems the more people crowded into our cities the more isolated and disconnected we are.
I hope your idea spreads and that the meet in Bondi is an ongoing success that gets emulated in other suburbs and cities in Australia and beyond.
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Hi Sarah, last time we talked, you were in the surf at Byron Bay with some crazy guy.
Reading this post a few things spring to mind especially with your words of defaulting to the past. I think we all do that when we are unhappy with the present. Too bad, as we become grown ups, that life isn’t like the movies we saw as kids.
A couple of boring but perhaps earthy sayings flickered while reading; 1/ The grass is not always greener elsewhere (probably check anyway); 2/ John Lennon in his song to his son Sean, ‘life is what happens to you while you’re busy making other plans’.
But by the end of your post, your words about relating, being intimate, it’s been to long and being honest; reminded of a movie I have watched a few times; Notting Hill. Perhaps you’ve seen it, starring Julia Roberts and Hugh Grant. Yes, I know, it’s a romantic comedy but I like it.
To the point; towards the end of the movie, Anna (rich and famous movie star played by Julia Roberts) says to William (Hugh Grant, ordinary sod who owns a book store) ” but don’t forget, I’m still just a girl standing in front of a boy, asking him to love me” or words to that effect.
The scene and the words of honesty and vulnerability to universal human wants and needs have stayed with me, despite it being a romantic comedy.
Perhaps most of us are already conscious of this, but don’t say it out loud. The awareness doesn’t need tuning, just acknowledging. Hmmm; truthfully, despite only knowing you through your blog, I sometimes see you as Anna in this scene. This is one of those times.
A good touchy post; regards William
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August 20th, 2011 at 9:05 am
Beautifully put William!
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August 20th, 2011 at 6:24 pm
Hi Tracy
A sincere thankyou for those two words.
Regards, William
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August 20th, 2011 at 9:30 am
William, you are a heartfelt bloke; it’s good to see the best come out in people like you, I wish more people thought as you do!!
How such a positive article can also bring out the warst in some people has got me stuffed, you’re a rose amongst the thorns!! and you’re a bloke as well…Blimey!!!
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August 20th, 2011 at 6:44 pm
Howdy Mathew
I’ve been called a few things but never a rose. Thanks for your kind words. Perhaps a little oblique in my comment but I also hoped to say to others to not be so hard on yourselves. Life is a bit of a bugger sometimes.
Regards, William
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August 20th, 2011 at 3:18 pm
Thanks William… I do feel like Anna. And I’ve used that line before…although not consciously quoting from the movie.
Were you the guy my friend and I talked to getting out of the surf? And that guy was yelling at everyone and flashed me?
HOW THE HELL did you make the connection?
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August 20th, 2011 at 7:01 pm
Hi Sarah,
There is no great mystery to my comment on the crazy guy in the surf at Byron. I happened to make one of my weekly or so visits to Twitter.I replied to your tweet about the crazy guy asking did you have other company at hand. You must have twittered by phone, I wasn’t there. You replied that other guys were then with you in the surf.
Regards, William
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Oh, yes please, anybody interested in forming a group on the Gold Coast?? Please reply and lets see what we can arrange.
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March 9th, 2012 at 12:57 pm
Oh please! i love the sound of this and just checked out conscious club website. Definitely in need on the gold coast.
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Just booked tickets ..
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I know the feeling. I’m craving real connection with people, too.
Though I wonder if this event will really be a meeting of souls or just another excuse for people to talk AT each other. The desire for connection is universal, but I suspect those who are going to attend the event will have too much to say and not enough patience to listen. (I swear I’m not being snide. I have a point.)
What does a “real” conversation sound like? My friends and I often talk with each other about our fears, hopes, goal, and troubles, but little of what we say is absorbed. Instead, we wait for our chance to speak.
I’m trying to correct this behavior in myself. I know no one will follow my lead, though it doesn’t matter. Perhaps I’ll never really be heard, but I can learn to hear others– be the soft place for their souls to land on.
It’s hard to do! Often I find myself just biting my tongue, scrutinizing their facial expressions, or worse: judging them for what they say. My mind wonders and I forget to just RECEIVE them. (Case in point: I only made it through about a dozen comments in this thread before being compelled to make my own).
I think consciousness is really about reception. So, I’d like to say this to anyone planning on going to the event, (though you probably won’t read this if you’re like me): Don’t go to the event to say your piece. Go to listen. You’ll meet a lot more souls that way.
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August 20th, 2011 at 2:25 pm
jojo, I hole heartily agree with you about listening, it’s too hard not to make cynical suggestive comments, we live in a society that’s very cynical of others but were not cynical about ourselves.
You are who you meet & who you meet is you. In other words; if you see just beauty that’s all you will see if you see just hate that’s all you will see, no matter what the person or situation you’re in you only see you!!
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August 20th, 2011 at 9:58 pm
This is a GREAT comment. I’m very aware that I do this myself. I learned it from my mother, who probably learned it from my grandmother. They were both great talkers, without the accompanying concentrated listening skills, I think in part because no one was listening to them at home. I’m making the effort to actively cultivate listening and not immediately dumping my thoughts in my own life, e.g. when chatting with colleagues or speaking with my family and friends. It’s eye-opening, and you’re right – listening will get you much further than talking ever will. Still, it’s difficult!!
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August 22nd, 2011 at 11:14 pm
Is that what psychologists refer to as “Projection”?
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Sounds great, Sarah. I’ll definitely check it out.
You mentioned if anyone else was doing something similar:
I’ve been attending Soul Sessions in the Surry Hills for the past six months which attracts an interesting group of conscious people.
I have met your mediation teacher Tim Brown there – and he is speaking in September.
There link is here if you anyone is interested.
See you there.
Charlie.
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August 20th, 2011 at 9:52 pm
Here … http://soulsessions.com.au/index.html#transform
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Positive relationships, intimacy, and great food…….Soul Sessions is a winner!
Sarah,
I am a busy business owner, and was also missing exactly what you mention, a place to meet like minded people who are on a journey of discovery for all the good things in life, a good friend introduced me to Soul Sessions and I just love it, variet of speakers, wonderful people, intimate environment, and great food.
http://www.soul sessions.com.au
Regards
Steve Roddick
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We had our little book discussion group meeting yesterday with only four people attending. I didn’t think it was going to happen as it was too nice a day not to be going out somewhere & enjoying it.
I try to keep it down to eight people any way as it is more intimate & I don’t mean lustfully so, not that I have trouble with lust it’s just not appropriate in certain circumstances, not that most blokes would agree.
I was quite a lustful rabbit in my days but I thought there’s more & there was, it’s called real love & it beats lustful love any day, it’s truthful, reliable & open what else is there?? But it seems to be so hard to teach other people aboutlove & understanding because most people are blinded by their own beliefs or disbeliefs, they can’t see outside the square.
The discussion started with talking about ourselves & relating this to our spiritual knowing &, as always, showing an understanding of our situation & the people around us at the time & also remembering that the people around you are a reflection of you. We are all what we see!!
We also discussed about vibrations & the affects they can have, this seems to be the topic at the moment; our dreams & isms. Isms are a belief system humans dogmatically believe in & can’t see anything else but there beliefs. The discussion was on how isms have destroyed so many peaceful cultures.
We also had a yoga teacher present discussing the principles of Yoga & the chakras…..Yoga isn’t just about the body but the mind as well, it’s quite mind blowing when you go into it. Love Mathew
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August 22nd, 2011 at 9:32 pm
Thanks for reporting back!
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Hola Sarah,
I too was blessed to find the Soul Sessions just over a year ago. Soul Sessions is exactly want you mentioned about needed to find like-minded people going through a journey of transformation…
Soul Sessions has totally transformed by way of being! The wide variety of speakers has given me important life changing tools to develop my meditation, yoga and spiritual practice. I’ve also learnt about nutrition, alternative health as well as important ways to cultivate intuition. The result has impacted my life by helping me to be more successful in my career and in my personal relationships.
The range of speakers at Soul Sessions are imaginatively thought out by founder Eloise King. The range and diversity is what makes the Sessions so rewarding, educational and enriching. Every session is different and equally mind-blowing!
If you’re looking to find a place with like-minded beings, you should check out Sydney’s Soul Sessions!
Ciao,
onacloV
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It sounds like you have a better love & understanding of yourself & others & more importantly your surroundings, in whole, the life you have chosen to live. You should find a love beyond your wildest dreams if you understand enough. Good luck on your journey onaclo,love Mathew.
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I hear ya sista!
Bring on the conscious clubbers – personally I’m a soul session-er like a few of your readers by the looks of it. Can’t rave on about SS enough and if you haven’t checked it out… well… I don’t want to sound bossy… BUT… you should! http://www.soulsessions.com.au
Hope to see you there.
A conscious raver!
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try http://www.soulsessions.com.au/
i think some others have mentioned it also. its in redfern/surry hills. The very same Tim Brown will be speaking there late septmeber i think.
give it a go
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Hey everyone – delighted to see that there is such an interest in the idea of getting together and sharing experiences and ideas in a high grade way. This has been a thought of mine for about 12 years since I leant to meditate. Have been busy teaching and having babies for that time, so am delighted to be involved in creating such an opportunity for many to do so.
For those further afield than Sydney, keep in touch and we will see what we can do in time to make this happen elsewhere.
I too am a huge fan of Soul Sessions. Eloise is doing a great job with them. Eloise has very generously asked to speak at one soon, so look forward to seeing you there then Hedley, Andre and others. Someone gave me some great advice once which was “when faced with a choice…..choose both”!
Hope to see you on Wednesday night and thanks Sarah for your support.
Warm regards Tim
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I know what you mean. Unluckily I’m in Perth or I would attend. I feel disconnected from the world lately, and I think a lot of people do, Sarah.
Thanks for being honest & making the rest of us feel less alone.
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August 23rd, 2011 at 8:46 am
悉尼 you are not alone in being alone, your with friends who feel the same & understand your plight.
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Looking without Seeing, Hearing without Listening, Doing without Understanding.
Is that the difference between merely Existing vs Living Consciously & in Awareness?
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Good luck with your new show! Just saw an add for it in Womens Weekly or New Idea (not sure) – great photo too
We just got back from an awesome trip to Bali – people work very hard there to meet their basic needs for food and shelter. They are also constantly ‘on the ball’ and aware of their environment as if they are not – they’ll be run over by a scooter or a car! They use their scooters to move their house and furniture we saw many a family of 5 all piled up on one motorcycle. I think those people simply don’t have the time to think any existential thoughts – it’s a modern world condition, don’t you think? Also, having children brings you down to ‘now and immediate’ so you REALLY value the time you get for yourself. I’m not saying have kids or live like the poor of Bali – I’m just saying it’s good to reflect how good we actually have it
Saying all that – I am also seeking more likeminded people – global cosmopilitans – as friends. Great to see so many awesome people chatting on this great blog! Must run and look after my bub 
Ellie
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August 29th, 2011 at 4:54 pm
Hi Ellie – just wanted to say that the Balinese are very spiritual people and are actually very good at taking time out to reflect on the ‘existential’ and practice their religion despite rapid development and tourism influx. Bali is also very much part of the ‘modern world’ (whatever that may mean) – the Balinese live in the same time and same world as everyone else. There is no actual ‘third’ world, or ‘modern’ world, just one world.
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I thought if was important to share – the conscious club was absolutely brilliant! It was fittingly mc’d by Nick Tobias who is so young, achieved so much and has meditated for 20 years! A beautiful performance by Old Man River and those most moving documentary by Chrysalis on such an inspirational man Iain Edwards and his beautiful daughters. Tim Brown of course offered his pearls of wisdom and there was an extremely powerful group meditation! Followed by the opportunity to watch a powerful dance performance and then share delectable food from MadamCharChar. All in all it exceeded all of my expectations! People of all ages were there and mixed freely with one another. I really encourage those of you who can to come to the next one.
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August 25th, 2011 at 9:01 pm
ditto !!
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August 29th, 2011 at 4:47 pm
Ditto x 2! It was an inspiring and inspired evening… can’t wait for the next one! xx
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Soul Sessions has been a major part of my life since it’s beautiful birth in May 2010 and I have passionately attended every session…
I’m totally addicted! Not only does each one uplift and nourish my soul….they continue to educate and enlighten me….aaaand…. they help me FEEL ALIVE AND CONNECTED! They help fill the void which I felt for many years.. before I started going and now the void has gone… yee huh!
What I love about each session is the diversity of speakers, and the knowledge and insight which they share with sessioners, whether it be about enlightenment, relationships, business, holistic and western medicine, raw food, fear, anxiety, well-being and so much more.. and all in an intimate special space.
My mind truly boggles with the knowledge I gain at each session AND I get to share my learnings along side like-minded beautiful beings who are also on a similar journey of growth and discovery, on ALL levels… and we get to indulge in Jeevi The Laughing Chef’s sumptious fresh organic buffet and created with luuuurve!
Thank you SOOOOO much Eloise for sharing your dream with the world!!! There ain’t nothin like it on the earth and if you want to know what the hype’s about I suggest you beautiful beings get yer sweet selves to a Soul Session soon!!!
The lovely Gary Gorrow has been a guest speaker twice and I’m looking forward to hearing Tim Brown’s pearls of wisdom on Thursdee 22 this month at ‘Transformation’…. http://soulsessions.com.au/index.html#transform
Sarah, you mentioned you crave intimate relationships with big minds and hearts…. would you agree that Soul Sessions may help? ‘You’ll never ever know if ya never ever go!’ (copyright Darryl Somers
Much love and I look forward to meeting and squeeezing you soon!
Amber Jane xx
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Very Very Vegetarian.
Veggie Visions. MediaNetics
Interested in Collective Conscious Educations, Centers, Clubs and Media.
Also Dianetics, Evolution Science, and Quantum Integtral and Generative Science.
Seems like a place to be for Social Media Faith Futures.
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Mmm I lived in Bondi for many years – when I first founded the “Conscious Flow Club” and in London. In fact I’ve spent the last few years of international law masters working on a conscious flow model for everyone to get conscious.
Glad someone thought of getting conscious again…
Bondi used to be full of creatives and street cafes where conscious vibes were anything but schmoozy and the Bondi bars were not unknown to have the odd brawl and busted pool queue – interesting but typical dichotomy of conscious and unconsciousness.
Hows Bondi FM going? They might get conscious with you.
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[...] about doing something a bit different…and consciously so. I’ve written about it here…please do join us! PS. A great outing idea for anyone doing Febfast this [...]
[...] it’s about doing something a bit different…and consciously so. I’ve written about it here…I’d love to meet people from this blog there. Come! A few tickets [...]
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