Ripples

In this Second Episode Matthew Ames speaks about some of the practices that have sustained him over the years since surviving streptococcal toxic shock and the loss of his four limbs. He speaks about the value of gratitude, mindfulness, prayer and acceptance. 

Matthew reminds us all that a journey such as this is, is not entered into alone. That behind any story like his are remarkable people like his wife Diane offering love, practical support and positive encouragement every step of the way. Following times of deep reflection Matthew has a perspective on life that is both refreshing and unique.

“Gratitude just brought me back to this moment and made me realise that everything would be OK.”
Matthew Ames

Back Story shared in Part 1: Matthew Ames was 39 years old in 2012 when what started as a sore throat developed into streptococcal resulting in toxic shock. Matthew was placed into an induced coma and it was Matthew’s wife Diane who needed to make the heart-wrenching decision to remove Matthew’s four limbs in order to save his life. In the first Episode Matthew shared the challenges, the breakthroughs and the insights that he has gained over the years as he has adjusted to this new reality.

Matthew Ames was 39 years old in 2012 when what started as a sore throat developed into streptococcal resulting in toxic shock. At the time there was great concern for Matthew, as he was given 1% chance of survival. Matthew was placed into an induced coma and it was Matthew’s wife Diane who needed to make the heart-wrenching decision to remove Matthew’s four limbs in order to save his life. In our conversation Matthew shares the story of his remarkable journey. Through the support of Diane, their four children, their extended family, many friends and a team of talented medical experts Matthew has come such a long way.

In this first Episode Matthew shares the challenges, the breakthroughs and the insights that he has gained over the years as he has adjusted to this new reality. Inevitably you will witness Matthew’s extraordinary strength and hear his message regarding the value of purpose and flexibility. In the Second Episode, to be released next week, Matthew will speak about some of the practices that have sustained him over the years. He speaks about the value of gratitude, mindfulness, prayer and acceptance. Following times of deep reflection Matthew has a perspective on life that is both refreshing and unique.

This is a conversation that can change the way you look at life!

“I have been extremely dogged in my determination for my purpose, but extraordinarily  flexible in the way that I might get there.” Matthew Ames

In this week’s Episode Kylie Harris continues to share the extraordinary story of Midnight Feast: Theatre that Unites (Part 2). Over the past ten years Kylie has been working in the Performing Arts making theatre with people with significant disabilities. She is currently the founder and artistic director of Midnight Feast, the first theatre company in residence at NIDA.

In this Episode we hear about the evolution of performances at the Opera House and the life-changing impact of this theatre company on the actors, the families and on Kylie's own life. Kylie expresses that this theatre company “brings life to all”, which is the deepest desire that God has for each one of us. 

Through sharing the story of this theatre company, Kylie encourages us to become more aware of those in our communities who are not present in different forums by asking the question, “Who’s not there?” And through this awareness and action we can move towards greater inclusion. This is an inspiring story and one that is on the wave of great change.

Look around at the start line and ask, “Who’s not there?”
Kylie Harris
Founder and Artistic Director of Midnight Feast
Theatre Company in Residence at NIDA

In this Episode Kylie Harris shares the story of Midnight Feast: Theatre that Unites (Part 1). Kylie is a singer, actress, writer, director and producer. Over the past ten years Kylie has been working in the Performing Arts making theatre with people with significant disabilities. She is currently the Founder and Artistic Director of Midnight Feast, which has become the first theatre company in residence at NIDA. The company has performed at the Opera House over the last ten years to a sold-out crowd.

Kylie has an extraordinary gift of seeing the capacity and gift in everyone she meets and she responds to all with a sense of dignity, respect, compassion and incredible joy. Kylie reflects the face of Jesus in these encounters and seeks to create spaces and avenues for some of the most vulnerable and talented people within our community. By drawing on her gifts and the gifts of those around her, she has created a path in theatre that is unique and life-giving to so many. 

"We celebrate abilities, not limitations. Our theatre explores humanity in all its diversity and challenges assumptions." Kylie Harris 

Ken Bryant has had an extensive career in Education and during this time has carried out a number of significant leadership roles. In 2013 Ken was awarded the leadership position as Head of Religious Education and Learning Services in the Catholic Diocese of Wollongong and this evolved to become the Catholic Life, Education and Mission Team in 2015. Prior to this Ken served as a Principal in three schools, as an Assistant Principal and as an REC. He has been involved in an extensive number of Committees, has assisted in leading groups and pilgrimages to many places around the world and has had a long association with Catholic Mission Australia.

In this Episode I explore Ken’s experience of leadership, the challenges and the joys and the elements that have sustained him and guided him along the way. Ken speaks deeply about the role of his faith, his family and of the importance of authenticity and integrity. He is a man who recognises the importance of respecting the dignity of every human being in both our words and actions. Ken most generously shares moving stories and wisdom from his lived experience of “Leading the Way”.

"To be an effective leader you need to know oneself and to know those whom you lead." Ken Bryant

This program will include a 4 minute introduction exploring the gift of silence in our lives. Fr Laurence Freeman OSB will then prepare us for our time of meditation (3 minutes). He will lead us into the silence by providing some gentle instructions. Three chimes will mark the beginning of the silence and three chimes will mark the end of the period of silence. This track offers 5 minutes of silence. May this be a time for you to stop and experience the gifts of silence. And if you find the silence difficult at first, go gently and give yourself time to settle into it. My thoughts and prayers are with you. 

“Silence gives us a new outlook on everything. We need silence to be able to touch souls.
The more we receive in silent prayer, the more we can give in our active life.”  Saint Teresa of Calcutta

This program will include a 4 minute introduction exploring the gift of silence in our lives. Fr Laurence Freeman OSB will then prepare us for our time of meditation (3 minutes). He will lead us into the silence by providing some gentle instructions. Three chimes will mark the beginning of the silence and three chimes will mark the end of the period of silence. This track offers 10 minutes of silence. May this be a time for you to stop and experience the gifts of silence. And if you find the silence difficult at first, go gently and give yourself time to settle into it. My thoughts and prayers are with you. 

“Transformed people, transform people.”  Richard Rohr

In this final Episode for 2020 Robyn Gallagher invites previous Guests and Colleagues to reflect on the practices that have supported and sustained them throughout 2020. Robyn acknowledges that amongst the smorgasbord of practices that there are some common touchstones. These five touchstones have provided a way to navigate the unchartered waters we have all faced and pathways to experience the loving support of God. And whilst critical to 2020, these life giving practices are also paramount to the new year which awaits. They have the capacity to make a difference to our own lives and to the many people with whom we interact.

"Through being still and listening came a strong sense of that calm being radiated out."
Susan Neylan 

Thank you so much for being with us this year and for all your support for the program. Ripples will be taking a short pause during the Christmas holidays however we would love you to join us again next year in February when the program returns. We have some amazing guests lined up and we will offer you many more shared moments of treasured stillness and silence. 

In the previous Episode (Episode 17) Petrea King shared her own story and the story of the Quest for Life Foundation. Petrea provided valuable insights and strategies for living with challenges or working through traumas in our lives. In this Episode Petrea highlights the need for self-care so that we can bring our replenished self to whatever we do – to the chaos, crisis or challenge. And she shares some valuable ways we can accompany others by offering deep listening and presence.

“Love turns up when it doesn’t know what to say or doesn’t know what to do. But it turns up...preferably with a casserole in its hand.”
Petrea King

Quest for Life has assisted over 125,000 people with grief, depression, anxiety, PTSD, cancer, chronic pain and other illnesses. If you would like to find out more about the Quest for Life Foundation please take a look at their website questforlife.com.au. This website provides wonderful information about their programs which include both residential programs and one day programs.

This program will include a 3 minute introduction and a 10 minute guided reflection entitled Listening to the Still Small Voice. The words from this meditation have been drawn from Petrea King’s two Episodes and provide wonderful stimulation for personal reflection. There will be an invitation to reflect on four of Petrea’s inspired quotes. You may like to draw on a journal during this time of stillness or you may reflect on these quotes internally. It is an opportunity to be authentic and to name those experiences that challenge us and the practices that sustain us. This time is treasured time and provides a space for us to hear the still small voice within, the voice of God.

“The joy of meditation is that the brain becomes quiet. When the brain is in the present moment we have access to all those things that are first nature to us...insight, intuition, wisdom, humour, spontaneity, creativity and compassion. Those qualities are all available to us if we train our brain to be of service to us, rather than run the show.”
Petrea King