11/11 Remembrance day. As shared by the Australian War Memorial web site (www.awm.gov.au) "This year 11 November marks the 98th anniversary of the Armistice which ended the First World War (1914–18). Each year on this day Australians observe one minute’s silence at 11 am, in memory of those who died or suffered in all wars and armed conflicts." Mairead Ashcroft 11/11/16

Millions of people,adults and children, from all around the world are subjected to conflict in their environments due to war. In Australia it is tradition that on this day we stop for one minute of silence at eleven o'clock to remember those who have fallen in times of conflict. I would just like to remind us all at this time that for many people, war is not a distant memory or an experience only witnessed on the television or movie screens. 

War is real in present day for millions of refugees asylum seekers, returned soldiers and families and survivors of devastating confrontation. They may be remembering or even re-living their own personal trauma every second of the day. If you find that a co-worker, neighbour or friend does not wish to participate in the minutes silence, rather than see it as an insult to those who have fallen, be curious about what may be going on for them. Have they or someone that they know suffered while serving their country in some way? Were their lives disrupted by civil of global conflict? Might they carry feelings of overwhelm on this day? There may be any number of reasons why a person may choose to opt out of the one minute silence. Show support at times of grief. If a story is offered to you listen with respect and kindness, not judgment.We live in a country of high cultural diversity, each with it's own historical memories and experience. We are also fortunate to live as one nation and my hope is that all cultures and diversities will be respected. After all, this is what the fallen in  1914 - 18 were fighting for. 

Lest We Forget

Live your Bliss

Mairead