91 Madeira Consorcio Meeting 19.8.2017
Oct 12, 2017 at 9:02 am | Posted in Posts | Leave a commentTags: bruce greyson, consciousness, Consorcio, made in madeira, nde
Topic: Consciousness
We discussed Dr Bruce Greyson, doctor of psychiatry, University of Virginia
Studies the relationship between brain and consciousness. He recognises that in normal life there is a very clear link between the two; if you receive a blow to your head or
if you drink too much alcohol, you will experience that your thought process is less clear and focused. However we cannot prove or observe what causes a thought or an emotion. A single neuron
cannot think or feel anything. The evolution of our way of approaching this matter in science, follows the same way as did our approach to physics, evolving from Newton to Einstein.
Just like the theory that the brain causes the consciousness is a reasonably good model for everyday situations, so too newtonian physics is a reasonably good model for everyday objects moving at speeds that are observable to the naked eye. It is only when we deal with extreme situations like the brain approaching death or microscopic parcels travelling at the speed of light, that the old models are no longer applicable. For physics we developed a new paradigm called quantum physics and when it came to studies of the mind, physicists had to recognise consciousness as a fundamental part of existence – INDEPENDENT of matter.
There are 4 lines of evidence of consciousness without a brain:
- Deathbed recovery of lost consciousness
- Complex consciousness with minimal brain (U: discussion to be continued on this point)
- Near death experiences
- memories of past lives.
Examples of nr 1 : people with severe brain damage (from tumours, alzheimers etc) who had lost all power of thinking or communicating, regained both these things shortly before dying. We have absolutely no explanation for this fact, yet in a study, 70 % of caregivers reported of such phenomena.
Examples of nr 2: people who have lost the use of a significant part of the brain, but yet are able to perform well. One lady who after an accident was left with only a brainstem and no cortex
(cortex is the place where our thinking happens) still she was able to continue as a student at university. People with “hydrocephalus” – a decease that lets fluid leak into the brain. In one person fluid took up 90% of the brain, leaving no space for complex thinking, and still he had over a hundred in an intelligence test.
Example of nr 3: People who are clinically dead (so without trace of brain activity) who still relate vivid experiences when they are resuscitated. These experiences can be verifiable, such as the accounts of what happened during the resuscitation (what machinery was used, what people were in the room etc.) People who claimed to have had a NDE described their resuscitation correctly, whereas people who did not have NDE but was asked to try to remember their resuscitation, related it incorrectly.
People who claim to have had NDE typically describe an altered sense of time, a sudden understanding, clearer thought process, feeling of belonging, peace and joy. However there is such a thing as negative NDEs. How often they occur seems to vary between different investigations, but somewhere between 2 and 14 percent seems to be the norm. In this context I would like to underline
that most of the studies involve people who have been dead for 15 to 20 minutes. Very often they have been aware that there was a line beyond which there was no return, so we don’t actually know what experiences they would have had beyond that line.
Examples of 4: young children who report having had past lives. They typically never report on having been some very well know person, but just ordinary people whose lives were typically ended in an abrupt or violent way. In 63% of cases these people of the past were traceable and accounts of their death verifiable.
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Book links : hold on to your shoelaces…
Food of the Gods.pdf
https://drive.google.com/file/d/0B8AWtS91VS1nWWFXMnNzVTZ1WEE/view?usp=sharing
Dawkins. Richard – Deus, um Delírio.pdf (in particular pg 74 vis a vis “the prayers”)
https://drive.google.com/file/d/0B93ZsMIp-w6XNGJBMVNJT0JIaWc/view?usp=sharing
Many Lives, Many Masters (Brian L. Weiss).pdf
https://drive.google.com/file/d/0B93ZsMIp-w6XOEMtR0V1SkRESFk/view?usp=sharing
Espejos del Tiempo (Brian L. Weiss).pdf
https://drive.google.com/file/d/0B93ZsMIp-w6XNmF2X29vdVAzOG8/view?usp=sharing
Only Love Is Real – The Story of Soulmates Reunited (Dr. Brian Weiss).pdf
https://drive.google.com/file/d/0B93ZsMIp-w6Xd1pSQjYtOF9wZG8/view?usp=sharing
Nosso Lar (Chico Xavier).pdf
https://drive.google.com/file/d/0B93ZsMIp-w6XclEzUDJTUW1QWE0/view?usp=sharing
Desobsessão (Francisco Xavier).pdf
https://drive.google.com/file/d/0B93ZsMIp-w6XVnlfNGdQbTJTTmM/view?usp=sharing
90 Madeira Consorcio Meeting 22.7.2017
Jul 24, 2017 at 8:41 am | Posted in Posts | Leave a commentTags: karma
We started our new format of discussions between ourselves; as stated before, these may be topics one wouldn’t discuss at a dinner table. This time we spoke about Karma and what it means to us. U.provided some texts to read before the start of the discussion (we all agreed that, if sent with the invitation or reminder, we probably wouldn’t read them beforehand…)
Here are the links to the texts provided:
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Karma
https://www.quora.com/What-is-karma-Is-karma-real-What-are-some-examples-of-karma
http://www.quackometer.net/blog/2013/03/bill-roache-karma-reincarnation-and-steiner-schools.html
Some comments from the group:
“We need suffering to evolve.”
“Karma is a toolkit to improve our existence, What we do with it is our decision.”
“Some things are meant to be.”
“Being happy is complex – simplify your life.”
“Karma is malleable/flexible – you work on it.”
There are some cool Karma icons here:
U’s front runner:
“I saw that. – Karma”
Another favourite:
“Keep calm and let Karma finish it.”
89 Madeira Consorcio Meeting 24.6.2017
Jun 25, 2017 at 10:35 am | Posted in Posts | Leave a commentTags: Consorcio, Madeira, Waldorf
C was to present more info on the P Association but he couldn’t attend and he didn’t have sufficient time to send U an overview. But he outlined on the phone, that P. needs new associates and new input.
C will send a list of the other members so that we know who they are (and if we would like to associate ourselves with them), also the Statutes and what else they are doing, besides Waldorf-prep courses.
U said that we could organize a “Waldorf for Madeira” workshop (cannot be that difficult) . C said that the cost for a teacher from the mainland would be around 300€ plus flight (the person could stay with C). We need to get more information before proceeding.
M needs to find another option for the Foundation. As mentioned before, there is a Family Court judge who is sending needy children to foster parents, instead of a good home, so only 14 children are living at the Foundation at this time. The overhead is too expensive.
M hopes to get Rubina Leal (PSD, but nobody is perfect) to visit the home to see which other uses can be found to make use of the space (Creche, day care centre for the handicapped, home for underage mothers). It should be care toward poor children as mentioned in the Statutes, otherwise they would have to be adapted. The new purpose must also be of a kind that the Sisters can cope with.
U spoke to the group about the history of the Consorcio (many members weren’t in it from the start) and about the fact that most of our own projects stalled because of disinterest. (Beach Basket, the Medicinal Herbs project with Verena). We also see that if we offer help, it is not usually accepted. People may want help for their project but end up muddling through as before.
The idea (we are never running out of ideas) is to turn the Consorcio into our own discussion forum with topics we want to talk about, and these may be topics one wouldn’t discuss at a dinner table. If we are approached for help toward outside projects, we’ll be happy to assist
88 Madeira Consorcio Meeting 22.4.2017
Apr 26, 2017 at 11:36 am | Posted in Posts | Leave a commentTags: Bread, democracy, Funchal, lawrence lessig, lazzarus, liquid, penta, walldorf
U. gave out the group’s contact list on paper again
Foundation.
M.is in negotiations with one of the family members who has access to the website, Also, the “IRS” handout has been stalled. Some issues need to be resolved at the Foundation first.
Escola de Semente:
R V contacted U to help him set up a fundraising project ; U gave him the best option for Portugal site (www.ppl.pt) and R V will study what is needed to set up a fundraising drive (photos, video, gifts, content).
The Bread Project:
E will give GV’s number to Uso she can call him and remind him that he intended to order bread. But: we must assume he that wanted to find a way to get the know-how.
M. has a contact for E for a shop in Praça A. for rent, this could be a good place for a bakery at a low price.
The Foundation is getting its own bread oven, not to feed the children (they get a lot of bread as donation) but to teach them how relate to and produce their food in a natural way.
Penta presentation
C gave us a presentation of the Penta project.
This is an Association in Funchal with a few members promoting an upgrade on the education concept behind the Walldorf schools. The major point is that the parents need to be educated before the children. Adults should have an integrated approach to their own lives, working will all five (Walldorf is based on four) of their own elements (Emotional, Mental, Vital, Physical and Spiritual). Children then copy their parents – even if parents do not see the results of this copying behavior reflected to them. This can be done by Art Therapy, Family Drama (“Constelação familiar”, to get rid of old ghosts in the closet) and other techniques. The Association also organizes walks and creates “insight” labyrinths in nature
C is a medical doctor but studies psychology and has received training on this approach from two teachers who now live in the UK (http://www.lazzarus.net/ ) The Association would like to get them over to Funchal to give training to the parents and teachers in Escola de Semente.
Other Stuff:
Al is offering Acupuncture in Funchal, in a practice in Rua da Carreia 100.
“Mundo Sustentável”, the used good resale place is behind the Forum, below the “Po de’Arroz” hairdresser’s shop.
Also very interesting:
Lawrence Lessig Our Democracy no longer represent the people:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PJy8vTu66tE
And liquid democracy can be found here:
87 Madeira Consorcio Meeting 11.3.2107
Mar 12, 2017 at 12:38 pm | Posted in Posts | Leave a commentTags: Bread, gluten free, Madeira, madeira consorcio
Support for the Foundation
As mentioned before, the Foundation relies on private funding only. The stock market is providing less income than before but another point is that the judge in charge of the Court of Families and Minors is of the opinion that children should be given to foster parents,
The Foundation has been very quiet about their work so far, but times change and more funds are needed so the Foundation needs to show more face. From a website and handouts via Diario ads up to TV interviews , everything is possible. The management team needs to decide how far they want to go with public exposure.
The Foundation is fully compliant with the law. Social Security made a full check up. Transparency and compliance are the essential for fundraising efforts.
D & S have a good example of how it should be done with http://www.refugio.pt/ (nice website – clean, simple and welcoming), a well-known entity in the Algarve for just the cases the Foundation is caring for as well (“emergência infantil”).
We shall help the Foundation with marketing efforts, to strengthen the base for ongoing fundraising. D proposed the 0.5% Tax Donation avenue. Private citizens can donate this amount to a charity of their choice, with no cost to themselves, Accounting companies can even set this up as a default option, informing their clients that if they do not say otherwise, the accounting can set up their donation automatically.
Fir this to work, word needs to get out that the Foundation is asking for this help. This can be done be email to all contacts and former alumni. The request for help can also go out via A5 handouts, with an appealing text in (not too complicated) Portuguese, citing the Foundation’s NIF number.
U.prepared a text and showed it to the Team. The Portuguese has to be fixed and the text polished and improved. M will do this with his Team as soon as possible (Tax declarations will be delivered as of April 1st), then we’ll receive the final text. U will deliver prints , E. & Gr can take the handouts to the cinema in Ponta do Sol, etc.
D suggested that the Foundation tries to set up a list of former students to draw them in for support. They might want to keep in touch with each other as they, after all, all, grew up together.
He also suggested asking former students for an annual donation, it can be small but it would strengthen their sense of belonging. Another way is via estate planning: donors can help by bequeathing houses or funds after their demise.
Special projects can be used to attract donations as well. Esaid that an “institution” (no better word for it yet) can expect support from a community when it offer something to this community, e.g. theatre plays, concerts , Christmas tree lighting on the grounds, etc. (the group was not enthusiastic about Christmas plays, though) .
Web site upgrade
U has received the access codes to the existing website and worked on the background to improve things. She will acquire some photos of children, and S.Z. could provide photos of the home and hopefully the staff, to add them to the website. We also need the WORD originals of the annual report 2016, there is good material in there to fill the pages. (The Foundation has a good team, this should be emphasized as well.)
U will look at a PayPal Donate button (other option: MBNet) to suggest donations. This can be set up with a 10€ minimum as PayPal takes a cut for the payments, albeit on a lower rate for an IPSS.
In our time, with more and more angst ruling the people, it is important to strengthen the ties in the community so that people contact and get to know each other. Fear cannot take hold so much if you know your neighbor and community.
The Bread Project:
E met with G.V. who is interested in the gluten-free-bread as he cannot produce it in his two (or more?) bakeries. E gave him a sample and received a very good feedback.
We discussed the price, D was skeptical if the price is not too high. R.V: has the experience, he is often educating the clients on nutrition and value and he says that the price is not too high, compared with the bland quality of industrial gluten-free bread, and that he can “sell” the price to his clients.
We also discussed the possible production of the grains on the island. At the moment, they can be bought from Italy (Tuscany) , Austria and the US.
E received some originals , he can have them planted here but the yield will not better, and the cost would be the same (around 6€/kg). Planting them on Madeira would be sustainable, creating work, helping the community… great idea, but is has to be kept for the future.
86 Madeira Consorcio Meeting 11.2.2107
Feb 17, 2017 at 4:33 pm | Posted in Posts | Leave a comment
U told the Team about the old OE project, this is a system which can turn feteira and other organic waste together with household rubbish, into diesel.The company, lead by a Swiss engineer/owner, has won the tender by the Funchal City Hall, and after some resistance by the old Valor Ambiente Team, the project can go ahead.
The Bread Project:
E has been approached by a third person to meet with a big baking company in Madeira, to discuss having/producing/selling his gluten-free bread in these outlets. E will take the meeting and see what they want and offer. (He may take another group member into the meeting.)
The group feels it would not be a good idea to give away his knowledge and starter to other outfits or even bake there (cameras?); we think that they may steal his knowledge. The group suggested to him to have the starter and maybe the combination of original wheat /sourdough/starter etc. patented in Portugal, maybe also in the US, then nobody can get the know-how.
E is also in touch with M in regards to maybe baking for hotel consumption, as well as more bread for sale in other outlets. He will bring a few samples to the hotel to see how this is received by the clientele and by the management.
C. said that there is a “Sourdough Bank” in Belgium where E could deposit his starter, also as a protection of the “copyright”
Escola de S.
We discussed the stalled project – Mau. left the school, and R. is not a pro-active person to have as contact for our support.
The Team will be available to the school if they come back to us in the future, but we may want to find another alternative education project if/when something comes up, in the area of Waldorf or Montessori. In past projects, which did not come to pass, the missing of money was usually the problem. We shall keep our eyes open!
84 Madeira Consorcio Meeting 21.10.2016
Oct 23, 2016 at 11:16 am | Posted in Posts | Leave a commentTags: 2016, august, eucalyptus, fighting, fire, fire mafia, Funchal, helicopter, leste, prevention
We had Fireman Sa. as guest again. He gave us a report about the recent fires on Aug 5 – 6. He said that the conditions, with Leste coming over from Africa and with a wind speed of 75/85 km were a “perfect storm” situation. The Leste brought fire sparks down from the rim above the city.
In these situations, the firemen are on high alert and make rounds but they cannot prevent that fires start or are stated. E-was of the opinion that the Pastores who had protested about the restriction of their activity, started the fires above Funchal but Sa. said that their areas are more above S. Antonio, not S. Roque. The burning tires made the situation look very bad, there were also oil tanks wit in the tire storage facility which blew up. Old houses with damaged roofs are in special danger from flying sparks.
Sa. said that in these situations, people call for more firemen and equipment, but this would not help, he is in favor of prevention. 1 fire spot can cause 85 other fires in 1 hour so vigilance is essential. The firemen in Funchal work well together, and even when they are out for a coffee and see a fire at any time, they are proactive and send someone up there to investigate. This approach is not shared by other fire brigades outside of Funchal. He is also in favor of shared fire ponds in the communities. The communities have to come together for this.
Eucalyptus is a bad tree and should be eliminated. The disadvantage with this tree is that, even after a fire, the wood can still be used by the pulp factories to produce paper so the Paper Lobby has no problem with burning Eucalyptus forests.
Forest management is also very bad on the mainland. Gr. said that the north of Portugal is covered in Eucalyptus. After a fire, reforestation would be the ideal tool to prevent future fires but this not promoted by the Government. It was not done around S. Bras when D & S had to abandon their house twice because of the fire danger.
Sa. said that 75% of the land is in private hands, the owners are responsible for clearing out the forests. They often cannot be identified as the land registry is weak so the Government cannot apply fines for neglect.
The population used to go into the forests for firewood, nowadays, this is not needed anymore – it’s probably forbidden – this is another point why forest fires are increasing. It is even difficult now to find personnel to clean out forests; the job is not interesting and pays too little.
In the mainland there is a Fire Mafia. Government owned planes and helicopters are mysteriously out of order with maintenance problems and the Government has to hire private equipment at a high cost for fire fighting – good business for certain companies.
Sa. also said that tests with helicopters must be done in Madeira in the summer, not in winter when realistic conditions do not exist. Then we could see if fire fighting could be done on the island fir helicopters (with sweet water) or not.
Sa. said that the Proteccao Civil takes charge in such situation and they mess it up for publicity stunts, saying that everything is under control when it isn’t.
In regards to the funds for the people and companies affected by the Fire (V.) the Government should come through with decisions and hopefully , funds by mid-November
The Bread Project:
E. discovered that he can obtain the NAKU bread bags from a known shop for free, they receive plenty from a supplier. He is still looking for a place to bake his bread. He has a certain place in mind but if it doesn’t work, he is willing to invest to get a bakery for himself – no risk – no gain. An- could get him a contact to a specific Hotel group, maybe he could also bake there at night
He brought us a delicious sample of bread – mmh!
The Escola staff needs to get back to us to start working on their Blog and fundraising efforts. Ma. said that she would have more time as of mid-October.
83 Madeira Consorcio Meeting 17.9.2016
Sep 18, 2016 at 11:11 am | Posted in Posts | Leave a commentTags: Bread, Escola, Funchal, madeira consorcio, madeira think tank, mark zuckerberg, meeting, mundo sustentavel, Portugal, recycly, vegetarian friendly
The Bread Project:
V gave E. a “plastic” bag, to store bread and keep it fresh. The bag, produced in Austria, is not made with oil but of plant material, and decomposes easily; it can be re-used several times. The bag can be printed on. The producer is www.naku.at.We discussed the logo and design for linen bags for sale along with the bread.
We also spoke about the support we want to give the Escola de S..
We shall propose to their Team to create a blog for them, based on the text that we developed after the July meeting with them. U is going to send the approved content to Do. to look at. E.has photos; we need those for a blog. U will ask Ma. for their bank details so we can perhaps also add a PayPal donation button.
We also spoke about fundraising and how to go about it
Do. said the most important issue for fundraising is to answer the questions on what the project is and what they need. The fundraisers also need to propose adequate gifts as thank you for the donations received, e.g.
- a postcard with children’s paintings for a donation of 5€,
- for 10€ a donor would get a mug,
- and for 25€ he would get a yearbook,
- for higher amounts he would receive a mention of his name as sponsor on a (movable) plaque in the school.
An ongoing fundraising effort would be better that an occasional action, with the receipt of money from time to time.
“Teaching” support
There we have many options. S.used to go to her children’s school and read a poem which would inspire the children to make a drawing/painting about the topic, S. then gave assisted them in this. Such visits can lead to the composition of a yearbook, also as Thank You to donors.
Rui A.could do physics experiments with them, and so on…
Additional info.
Open letter from a Danish Newspaper to Mark Zuckerberg: http://www.aftenposten.no/meninger/kommentar/Dear-Mark-I-am-writing-this-to-inform-you-that-I-shall-not-comply-with-your-requirement-to-remove-this-picture-604156b.html
We have a recycling shop behind the Forum, “Mundo Sustentavel”, They accept used goods for household, decoration & more and resell them; the proceeds are split between the seller and the shop: Tel 291619768, info@mundo-sustentavel.com
Frente Mar has some shops out for public tender for rent in/near the Lido Swimming pools, several artists are working there.
The list of 10 vegetarian-friendly restaurants in Funchal :
http://frommadeiratomars.com/pt/10-vegetarian-friendly-restaurants-in-madeira/
D & S like “Olive” in Oudinot best, the restaurant needs business so we should all go there and recommend it.
Also very good: “Tipografia” in the Castanheiro Boutique Hotel. “Mania de Cozinha” in S. Pedro is closed due to fire damage.
Our next meeting will be in mid-October,
82 Madeira Consorcio Meeting 13.7.2016
Jul 17, 2016 at 11:38 am | Posted in Posts | Leave a commentTags: activities, alternative education, associacao, educacao alternativa, escial, germinar, ilha verde, rede da educacao viva, semente, walldorf
Visit to the “Escola da Semente”
The Escola is run by “Germinar – Associação sem fins lucrativos”
The Escola is based on the fact that Portugal allowed home schooling in the 1970’s The Secretary of Education is aware of the project and endorsed the project.
There are several projects like this in the country, and the Escola is well-linked with these other projects. There is a good information exchange under the umbrella of “Rede da Educação Viva”(http://www.educacaoviva.pt/) This national Network is proposing changes to the Government to adapt the regular education system to this form of learning,
Teachers in the “regular” system are also unhappy about the work they have to do. They can use the options of “Ilha Verde” (http://pt.blastingnews.com/madeira/2015/03/ilha-verde-educacao-em-liberdade-celebra-um-ano-fantastico-00307129.html ), an initiative which provides training for teachers for alternative education (promover a educação holística, transformadora e integral).
The Escola It is based on the initiative of parents (formerly a “Grupo de Walldorf”) who created the association (also to deal with the Secretária de Educação). The parents are responsible for the education, they cannot abdicate this responsibility to the Tutors. The parents provide the organic food or ingredients and have to do the cleaning. Every two weeks, the whole group has meetings to inform and keep things on course.
The Escola is situated in Funchal. They have there a good sized garden and a house with resting room, “school” room (with blackboard painted on the wall) and kitchen, also some animals and a herb garden.
At this time, the Escola accommodates 9 children aged 5 – 10. They always have two adults there, so the ratio is 1:4
It started as ATL (Activities after school) ; the two children who came from a public school were confused in the beginning, now they have adapted well to their new freedom.
The Escola opens around 8,45h and is available until around 18,30h
The school was open all year last year but this year, the Tutors will take holidays in August.
They have many outings, such as theatre visits and excursions, to expose the children to the “real world”.
The activities depend on the persons who are available. The Potter teaches the children to work with natural materials, singers might come by and painters, to teach the children what they are interested in. The parents are heavily involved in the Escola, they have two Tutors. Cr.is partly being paid be the Secretária de Educação. The Escola’s income (school fees and donations) and costs are transparent to the participants, they are published in an Excel sheet so all parents can at any time who pays what and how the money is being spent. The Tutors are organizing “festas” to obtain funds.
The project exists since one year.
The daily life:
Free play, then storytelling, singing, working in the herb garden, tending the animals, yoga, work with materials, depending on who comes in to teach a craft. By the by, the children learn math, physics and chemistry, also Portuguese. The children are not exposed to new technologies in the Escola, they (may) get this art home.
What is needed:
- More openness connection into the community
- Fundraising
- More have more children and parents
- Donations of money and natural materials
- Crowdfunding or other sources of income to pay the teachers, food and materials
- Mission statement
- Website/Blog
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