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Today is a very, very sad day for me. My little Daisy Dog has been ill with canine lymphoma and I made the extremely hard decision that euthanasia was the kindest thing that I could do for her. She was diagnosed 8 weeks ago. For 6 weeks she seemed stress and pain free. On week 7 she was panting and sleeping more. Her decline had sped up over the past couple of days and although still eating and enjoying a short walk twice a day, it was obvious that she was beginning to suffer. This mornings decision was the hardest that I have ever made. I have cried an ocean of tears. She is now resting in peace with her sister Bob the Dog who died in March last year. I have attached a link from ASPCA giving care advice about dogs who are nearing end of life.

- December 29, 2014

https://www.aspca.org/pet-care/end-life-care-faq

Enoughness: The Boxing Day sales in Australia, with a population of 23,490,700 people, are estimated to reach 16 Billion dollars over 2 days. Do we need all of the stuff that we purchase and how much of it will be tossed aside within the next 6 months? With 2,548,496 in Australia living below the poverty line, how might lives be different if only 10% of the sales money was donated to those in need?

- December 27, 2014

For those of you from the colder side of the world at Christmas, here is a little Aussie 12 Day's of Christmas. No roasting or toasting anything, except maybe the B.B.Q. or ourselves at the beach. Wishing you all a safe and joyful holiday time and open compassion for those who might be doing it tough. Be kind to your selves and others now and always.

- December 24, 2014

Music - African Ambient Lounge

- December 12, 2014

The 4 Bad Habits That Could Ruin Your Relationship : A balanced relationship is really more of a verb than a noun. Achieving and maintaining a healthy one requires us to constantly look in the mirror and evaluate what we can do better—how we can be better.

- December 12, 2014

http://www.psychologytoday.com/blog/hope-relationships/201412/the-4-bad-habits-could-ruin-your-relationship?utm_source=FacebookPost&utm_medium=FBPost&utm_campaign=FBPost

Love Control Victoria - Love Control is a groundbreaking film produced by Women's Health In the North. It draws directly from young women's experiences of abusive relationships

- December 11, 2014

To acknowledging a persons pain and/or difficult life situation, without judgment, advise or minimizing what is being shared with you can make a great difference to a person seeking understanding. Any form of minimization of a situation often only benefits the person who is hearing. Truly listening with empathy involves setting aside your own ego to get in touch with the sharers experience.

- December 08, 2014

Top 50 Art Therapy Blogs - Art therapy uses art to heal people of all ages, and can improve the emotional, mental, and physical health. If you want to know more about how art therapy can help you, read the free blogs listed below. They range from offering a basic understanding of the topic to discussing cases on how art has worked to heal people ( The New Updated List via Expressive Art Inspirations)

- December 07, 2014

http://www.expressiveartworkshops.com/expressive-artists/top-50-art-therapy-blogs/

Honor Diaries- exclusive extended clip. Education about the subjugation and persecution of women with regard to Honor Crimes committed against them.

- December 04, 2014

How do I support someone who has been sexually assaulted? Sexual assault is common – approximately one in five women experience sexual assault. There are some practical things you can do to help.

- December 04, 2014

https://www.1800respect.org.au/family-friends/common-questions/what-do-i-do-if-someone-has-been-sexually-assaulted/

Addiction - At first, this animated short seems rather pleasant: A kiwi encounters a golden nugget, and upon consuming it, feels a glorious sense of bliss. But as the bird continues to chase that first high, things quickly turn dark.

- November 25, 2014

Music: Vikings : Season 1 Full Soundtrack OST (HD)

- November 15, 2014

What is Consent? In Australia, giving consent to participate in sexual activity cannot legally be given when you are under the age of 16, under the influence of drugs or alcohol or agreeing to participate while experiencing fear or duress. The law in the same for for all sexes. The lack of using the word "No" does not equate to the word "Yes".

- November 13, 2014

https://www.facebook.com/video.php?v=1555463557927854&fref=nf

Know What To Look For: The 4 Big Signs Of PTSD Laid Out In Less Than 4 Minutes

- November 08, 2014

I created this movie to express my personal story of psychological pain of long term self harm and survival. This intimate journey explores physical impacts and consequences with regard the vulnerabilities that follow a sexually abused child into adulthood.

- November 06, 2014

Can Art Be Medicine? - New Jersey Video Production Company

- October 27, 2014

Children who experience early childhood trauma do not "Just get over it".

- October 25, 2014

http://www.socialworkhelper.com/2014/10/08/children-experience-early-childhood-trauma-just-get/

Seven Videos on the struggle of mental health Depression, schizophrenia, suicidal feelings—too often, these experiences stay private. These speakers who've struggled with mental illness boldly share their stories, in hopes that others don’t feel so alone.

- October 22, 2014

http://www.ted.com/playlists/175/the_struggle_of_mental_health?utm_content=awesm-publisher&utm_campaign&utm_medium=on.ted.com-facebook-share&awesm=on.ted.com_e0UWh&utm_source=direct-on.ted.com

10 Things You Didn't Know About Self-Esteem

- October 21, 2014

http://www.psychologytoday.com/blog/the-squeaky-wheel/201410/10-things-you-didnt-know-about-self-esteem

Yep!!! How to be Ultra Spiritual (funny) - with JP Sears

- October 17, 2014

3 part ABC documentary on mental health practice in a hospital setting

- October 13, 2014

http://iview.abc.net.au/programs/changing-minds-the-inside-story/DO1340H003S00

Music - Singer-Songwriter Essential Songs . Excuse me while I travel back 35 years to my busking days. Songs and Lyrics

- October 09, 2014

What We All Need to Know About Attachment, how we socialize and learn relationship interaction. The Menninger Clinic

- October 06, 2014

Honouring Children’s Rights

Mindfulness – More than Simply Meditation. I was recently sent this written piece about the author, Juliette Foster's personal experience of mindfulness practice. There seem to be quite a few approaches to mindfulness practice and Juliette has asked me to share this one with you. Thank you for your contribution Juliette.

- October 02, 2014

http://www.kwikmed.org/mindfulness-simply-meditation/

Why Cats Purr The purr of a cat. It’s the most mesmerizing sound. It’s the sound that makes you smile and think all is right in his world. That gentle sound relaxes and even mystifies you, but just how much do you really know about why and how your cat purrs?

- September 28, 2014

http://www.catbehaviorassociates.com/why-cats-purr/ Daisy Dog and Squeeze (U.K Squeeze - Cool for Cats) Best friends

Music: Art I love you This a re-post from 2012 and I still love art

- September 27, 2014

Art of Life With Mairead: Music: Art I love you

Intersex??? If you don't quite understand the terminology here is a little help from interact youth.

- September 24, 2014

http://interactyouth.org/post/97343969730/inter-act-has-been-working-with-mtvs-faking-it-on

12 Lifestyle Factors That May Make You Feel Depressed

- September 21, 2014

http://www.mindbodygreen.com/0-12880/12-lifestyle-factors-that-make-you-feel-depressed.html

Music - 2 Hours of Fantasy Music

- September 20, 2014

The Art of Being Yourself: Caroline McHugh at TEDxMiltonKeynesWomen

- September 18, 2014

Carrie Bailee’s powerful spoken-word piece entitled SOLD. She courageously recounts the dark memories of her childhood, but more importantly, focuses on her inspiring escape and desire to help others in similar situations rise up. Violence against women and children has become an epidemic of global proportion and continues to rise. With a beautifully poignant and inspiring style, Bailee unashamedly pulls back the curtain on a hidden and often silenced world of abuse. I was privileged to be on the same bill as Carrie last year in an Arts to Healing event to raise awareness of sex trafficking. Carrie is a true inspiration Her book is raw and true.

- September 18, 2014

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xs_sPq2Tado#t=244 For more information on supporting Carrie Bailee's cause "The Freedom Project" or to purchase her book please go to http://flyingonbrokenwings.com/

Would you decorate your home with human hair? Watch the journey of human hair as it is transformed into works of art in the form of furniture and house hold items.

- September 15, 2014

http://video.nationalgeographic.com/video/short-film-showcase/would-you-decorate-you-home-with-human-hair?source=relatedvideo

G.I. Joe photo exhibit in San Jose brings to life the real plight of struggling veterans

- September 15, 2014

http://www.mercurynews.com/bay-area-news/ci_26506100/g-i-joe-photo-exhibit-brings-life-real

Xena The Warrior Puppy ASPCA Dog of the Year

- September 15, 2014

Art Saved My Life. This is a story that is so very close to my heart. I have witnessed, experienced and shared this very phenomenon.

- September 14, 2014

What is Art for??? In this exclusive video for the Guardian, philosopher Alain de Botton gives his top five reasons why art is such a vital force for humanity. Are we wrong to like pretty pictures? Why is some art painful to look at? Can art heal your feelings of urban alienation? Relax, watch and find out

- September 14, 2014

http://www.theguardian.com/artanddesign/video/2014/sep/10/what-is-art-for-alain-de-botton-guide-video

- September 13, 2014

Music - Xavier Rudd - Spirit Bird

- September 07, 2014

National Geographic Live! - Carol Beckwith & Angela Fisher: Painted Bodies of Africa. Ceremonies celebrated by decorating the human body with paints made from natural earth in the local environment of the community.

- September 04, 2014

I've been working at Very Special Kids for a non-for-profit organisation called The Art Cabriolet with my good friend Svetlana Bykoviec and we managed to get to know Humpty Dumpty pretty well. We have also made some other special friends this week in the staff and patients in this beautiful facility. Very Special Kids and The Art Cabriolet are working hand in hand to provide the valuable opportunities for families to gather in a peaceful and empathetic environment with their child who is at the end of their life to express unsaid emotion and thoughts through creativity. If you would like to learn more about Very Special Kids and The Art Cabriolet or donate to these most valuable services, please go to the links provided.

- September 04, 2014

http://www.vsk.org.au/ http://www.theartcabriolet.org.au/

The terrors of sleep paralysis - Ami Angelowicz

- September 03, 2014

Born without legs, gymnast and aerial performer Jen Bricker has never let life slow her down

- September 02, 2014

https://www.facebook.com/video.php?v=10153154817558902&fref=nf

How Brains are Built: The Core Story of Brain Development

- September 02, 2014

Understanding Trauma: How Stress and Trauma Cause Chronic Pain, Anxiety, Depression, & PTSD

- August 31, 2014

"The war on Drugo" in a short and simple look at how the impact on lives is more about the greed around controlling drugs than using them.

- August 30, 2014

What is Addiction? Gabor Maté offers a true defection of why a person, their life falling down around them, continues to numb their minds and bodies with addictive drugs. I have been working with intravenous drug users for the past twelve months with some truly beautiful souls who, sadly, are unable to stop using. One thing that they all seem to have in common is that they have suffered trauma at some point in life. Deadening pain may have started as a short term thing but the feeling of being pain free, even for the briefest of moments, can be an enormous pulling force in continuing drug use.

- August 28, 2014

We all have an inner voice. Sometimes it can be the greatest gift but at other times it can be our greatest critic. New research shows that mindfulness may help us to stop our inner critic from comparing ourselves to others.

- August 27, 2014

http://www.mindful.org/in-body-and-mind/feeling-self-critical-try-mindfulness

Yes. The next "NEW" life trend is to get out into nature. You could head off into the wilds of your outer environment or simply as connect with a couple of pot plants on your balcony. This is one trend that I am happy to promote.

- August 24, 2014

http://www.huffingtonpost.co.uk/daniel-crockett/nature-connection-will-be-the-next-big-human-trend_b_5698267.html?utm_hp_ref=tw

Neuroscience Sheds New Light on Creativity. What neuroscience reveals about how to come up with new ideas. By Gregory Berns

- August 24, 2014

http://www.fastcompany.com/1007044/neuroscience-sheds-new-light-creativity?utm_content=buffer78c1f&utm_medium=social&utm_source=twitter.com&utm_campaign=buffer

I am very happy and excited to announce that on Friday 17th October I will become part of the team at Newport Hypnotherapy, Healing and Health Centre as Holistic Counsellor/Psychotherapist and Art Therapist. Sessions will be held on Friday: 1 pm - 7 pm and Saturday: 8 am -1 pm . To make an appointment contact me at artoflifewithmairead@gmail.com

- August 15, 2014

http://www.newporthypnotherapycentre.com/

I am looking forward to many more projects with Creative Sparks.

- August 13, 2014

http://www.creativespark.org.au/introducing-mairead-creative-spark-volunteer/

Music - The Mystery of Circle - Beautiful Celtic Music

- August 10, 2014

100 Positive Intentions for Tonglen Meditation & Anytime.Think of someone, anyone, everyone. Breathe in and imagine taking all the pain and suffering that person might be experiencing into your body and being incinerated in the fires of your love. Imagine that person at their absolute best, being unreasonably happy and at peace. it doesn't matter what you imagine here as long as it comes from the best loving place in you and will be beneficial to the person your sending energy to.

- August 07, 2014

http://www.elephantjournal.com/2014/08/100-positive-intentions-for-tonglen-meditation-anytime/?utm_content=buffera1a4d&utm_medium=social&utm_source=facebook.com&utm_campaign=buffer

Tomorrow I will appear before the Australian Royal Commission into Institutional Childhood Sexual Abuse with the hope that more stringent sentences and recognition of all elements of abuse, example - grooming, are dealt with more thoroughly. I only hope that the government also hold a Royal Commission into abuse that takes place in a child's own home by those who are supposed to care for them. Imagine a world with no child abuse, a world where all children have the opportunity grow free from this curse.

- July 28, 2014

Profiles of Hope - Rick Springfield, Los Angeles County Department of Mental Health

- July 26, 2014

Rest In Peace all those killed in the air attack, including those who were to attend the International Aids conference in Melbourne this week. Your diligent work has saved many lives. I would like to tribute our Art Exhibition to each and every one of you. {Some of the Art Work for the International Aids Conference created by IDU Community members}.

- July 18, 2014

15 pair s of Hands. (Community art piece) Street Art Ron 15 pairs of Hands Multi Media Street Art Australian Bush near Daylsford

- July 16, 2014

ID u E ntity Art exhibition, raising awareness for the prevention of AIDS and other blood borne diseases, for intravenous drug users. I am very proud to say that I am the Art therapist, organizer and fund raiser for this magnificent event with the help of generous community members, staff and clients at Inner Space http://www.innerspace. org.au/ . Works range from Internationally recognized Aboriginal artists, established local artists and collaborations within the IDU community (Intravenous Drug Use) each exploring personal experience and insights of IDU. The Exhibition will be opened by one of our local Aboriginal Elders with a Welcome to Country Ceremony at 1pm This Sunday 20th July. The exhibition will run all week in conjunction with the International Aids Conference http://www. aids2014.org/ , held in Melbourne 20th - 26th July I invite everyone to find the time to be part of this soulful community event.