🔭 The Present Perspective Newsletter

⚡Don't waste it!

There is a quiet voice inside us that knows what we need and what really matters. We don’t have to earn it or search for it — only learn how to listen.

“At the centre of your being you have the answer; you know who you are and you know what you want.” — Lao Tzu

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Dear Reader

Right here, right now, is the only real place your life exists. We can fantasise about the future or reminisce about the past, but these are illusions. There is no reality to them, even though they can feel compelling.

On our deathbed, this fact is brought home to us in no uncertain terms. It is at that point we realise there is no escape from this truth. We are a long time dead.

Reflecting on our own mortality, does not have to be morbid and depressing. It can inspire and encourage us to discover what truly matters in our life.

What is it that sets you alight, gives meaning to your life, and has you want to offer something to yourself, to others, to life?

If you don’t know, is it worth finding out?

If you do know, how closely is your life—right now—aligned with those values?

If we pay attention, we find that life communicates with us.

It shows us—through feelings, emotions and intuitive knowing— what is in alignment with our nature and deepest values, and what is not.

This is not an abstract or intellectual exercise. It is not a moral prescription, nor is it owned by any religious, political or philosophical framework.

It is an in-built, entirely natural orientation. It will be different for each of us because each of us is unique.

Some call it the call of the heart, your deepest longing, the quiet voice within, or your true nature.

But none of these words do it justice, because it is unbound, unfathomable, infinite and deeply mysterious.

It is achingly real, and always has your best interests at heart.

To discover the authentic voice of your existence is the most precious thing in the universe.

It is worthy of reverence, love and devotion.

Another way of saying this is that you are the most precious thing in the universe, and you are worthy of reverence, love and devotion.

Many wisdom traditions emphasise the urgency of practice—to practise as if your hair is on fire—and remind us of the fleeting nature of human life: a flash of lightning in the sky.

Don’t waste this opportunity.

You and your life matter.

Be mindful, pay attention, and listen deeply to the low, loving murmur of your own being.

​➕ Self-Care Essentials: Reset Your Tank — Mindfulness Plus Workshop​

Modern life is challenging. There are constant financial, relationship, work and family demands. Self-care practices are vital for mental and emotional wellbeing.
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In this transformative workshop delivered by certified mindfulness teacher, Michelle Eckles, gain an understanding of your in-built happiness chemicals—what they are and how they influence your state of mind.

Gain tools for incorporating self-care into your daily routine.

Self-care also ensures you have enough gas in your tank to support others. After all, you can’t pour from an empty cup!

Discover the science behind self-care and learn how to easily incorporate it into your daily life.

Date: Wednesday, 12 November 2025
​Time: 6.30pm – 7.30pm AEDT
​Price: $20 standard ticket. $35 VIP ticket (includes recording)
​Facilitator: Michelle Eckles
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🧘‍♀️ Mini Mindfulness Exercise: Inward Listening

Duration: 10 – 15 minutes

By resting our attention in the body and sensing the quieter space beneath thought, we reconnect with a deeper steadiness that is always available to us.

1. Get Comfortable​
   Sit or lie down in a way that feels natural.
   Let your body settle.
   Let the breath come and go on its own.
2. Feel the Body Resting​
   Notice where your body meets the chair, the floor, or the bed.
   Let your weight be supported.
   Notice any softening that wants to happen.
3. Notice What’s Here​
   Without needing to change anything, simply sense:
   the mood, the energy, the sensations in your body.
   Just acknowledge: “This is what’s here right now.”
4. Let Thoughts Come and Go​
   Thoughts may appear.
   Let them drift through, like sound or weather.
   No need to follow or push anything away.
5. There is nothing to find​
   Just notice what is already here when you stop reaching.
6. Rest Here for a Few Moments​
   Let your breath move through this quiet space.
   Let the body soften into it.
7. Close Gently​
   If you like, place a hand on your chest or belly.
   Say inwardly:
   ​“I am here.”

Why this helps:
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When the mind is busy or overwhelmed, we often try to think our way to clarity. But clarity rarely comes from more thinking.
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By gently shifting our attention into the body and the present moment, the nervous system settles.
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From there, a more grounded, intuitive sense of what matters begins to emerge. This practice supports us in living from that quieter, wiser place.

🏡 Coming Home to Yourself — 7-Day Silent Meditation Retreat, Healesville, VIC:
11 – 17 Feb, 2026​

Step into a world of calm, depth and self-love. Experience an environment of safety, silence, beauty and natural ease.

Now is the time to truly come home to yourself.
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​“A fantastic retreat to reconnect with self led by two very skilled facilitators.” — Lisa Shortridge​
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Experience a precious and profound opportunity to embrace yourself fully and unconditionally.
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Located in the serene setting of Maitripa Retreat Centre, Healesville, this retreat provides an exceptional chance for self-love, self-forgiveness and self-acceptance.

​Book your place now with a $500 deposit.​
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​Teachers: Karl Baker and Stephen Archer
​Location: Maitripa Retreat Centre, Healesville, Vic
​Dates: Wednesday, 11 Feb – Tuesday, 17 Feb, 2026.

💗 Awakening to Self-Love — 6-Day Silent Meditation Retreat, Bowral, NSW:
7 – 12 March, 2026​

The essence of your self-love is woven into the fabric of the universe.

It is integral to you. It just requires the right environment to emerge.
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​“It was like a balm for the soul.” — Carmel Brock

The Essence of Self-Love, Silent Meditation Retreat provides that environment.
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​Book your place now with a $500 deposit.​
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Teachers: Karl Baker and Stephen Archer
​Location: Hartzer Park Retreat Centre, Bowral, NSW
​Dates: Saturday, 7 Mar – Thursday, 12 Mar 2026
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🏢 Workplace Mindfulness Training

Nationwide in-person or online mindfulness training for workplaces.
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– Build team mental and emotional resilience.
– Improve mental fitness.
– Practical strategies for reducing burnout.
– Enhance team communication and connection.

​Get a customised program and free quote.
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🤔 Mindful Check-In. Which signal from your inner life, do you trust?

We each have different ways of knowing. Becoming aware of our style is part of the path.

📝 Mindful Meme of The Week

📩 Ideas? Comments? Complaints?

​Respond to this email.