A Discussion with Jombang Youth Shelter Caretakers

My colleagues, Yusti, Tiwi and myself discussed with the two care takers, who had come a long way from the youth shelter in Jombang to participate in Margret’s seminar about the future of the shelter, fundraising, and improving the website, eventually offering an English site as well as a result of the success of previous shelter inhabitants holding some excellent employment now.

Transpersonal Psychology Seminar

Margret facilitated a seminar on transpersonal psychology at Ubaya University in Surabaya Java. She was invited to teach the Magister program for over 50 people. The seminar was experiential with meditation and theoretical, as well as discussion at the end. Her longtime colleague from Ubaya university, Tiwi,  translated when needed. However, most of the participants have a good understanding of English.

Deepak Suchde’s Farm

The last leg of my journey brought me to the farm of Deepak Suchde, who propagates a very specific approach to compost-making. This approach is famous all over India for saving large plantation from disease. Here I held a one day workshop on the Heart Self-Intelligence approach before continuing on to Mumbai. As you can see from the pictures, the veggies and fruit in his gardens are remarkable.

The Ashram of Ramana Maharshi

The second leg of the journey brought me to Tirunamavalai, the Ashram of Ramana Maharshi, a saint who had impressed me very deeply after seeing a video. He was the first Indian Guru who talked about the search for the Self within, thus confirming my work in transpersonal psychology with the Heart Self-Intelligence approach. Many people are visiting the Ashram.

Margret Visits India

In March 2015, I made a visit India. First stop was Auroville in Madras, the Matrimandir, and visits to serveral farms to learn more about their approach to taking care of the soil. I completed my certificate in Permaculture Design last year and I am extremely interested in taking care of the soil-earth.

HeartSelf-Intelligence Workshop – University of Indonesia

A three day intensive workshop introducing HeartSelf-Intelligence at the University of Indonesia in the suburbs of Jakarta. The morning began with a Yoga class, followed by a introduction to Heart mediation.

The participants  were composed of lecturers and Master class students. I was invited to come back for a follow up.

 

Of course, being a Javanese event, food plays a major role during the seminar. Morning break with all kinds of rice cookies and other goodies, a full  lunch box and afternoon tea break with other delicacies.

A visit to the Jombang youth shelter

Final end of year evaluation of our shelter in Jombang, Java, for youths released from children’s prison.

Much has happened since my last visit half a year ago. Computerskills, repairing cell phones and many other skills were learned. These pictures show one of our youth in his working corner repairing cell phones.

Once more we sat together in Surabaya and worked over the final financial statement for the sponsoring agency. Part of this was, to visit our vegetarian restaurant for lunch. Our team is represented there: Tiwi, Ayuni, Yusti, Ria and myself enjoying chinese vegetarian lunch.

Youth shelter Jombang

Our youth shelter in Jombang offered a seminar for the various authorities dealing with youths during and after release. I worked with the participants with what we call anger management. To asset them to become aware of their emotions, to learn to dis-identify and identify, learning to observe as well as transforming anger. It was a successful event, with participants leaving with tools to be used on their own.

In the back of the shelter we have three ducks. They like to east watermelon, which I was feeding them on this picture.

Gaja Mahda graduation

My dear friend and colleague , head of the indiginous psychology department at Gaja Mahda university in Jogjakarta was given the professorship. I was in the unique position to be attending, and looking around the room of approx 400 pople I seems the only Western face there. It was a quite powerful event, first all the professors entering in their togas with they hats on, the one hour speech of my friend Bo Kwartarini, the individual congratulations of 400 peoples and a huge buffet. A very impressive affair. I was told, that the professorship, which is bestowed by the state as well and the university is quite difficult to achieve and there are not many. I felt quite honored to be invited to this event.

Surabaya Mosque

During a working visit with my collegues in Surabaya, Java, I visited the largest mosque there and wanted to share a few pics with you.