Hello :)
After dropping out of further education in 1992 (deep dark brooding angst - the unexamined life is not worth living after all) and looking to experience a more purposeful and creative way of living, and having absolutely no intention of becoming bogged down in a 'proper' job (after gaining a qualification in chemistry the thought of wearing a white coat and washing test tubes & beakers in a laboratory for a living could could have actually been a serious option - eeegawd!), I quite by chance became a full time "jumper-ooter" - someone who jumps out of dark doorways dressed in daft historical costumes attempting to scare the pants off locals and tourists. (I even had the job of training up new 'ghosts' to be scary! Eh?) The next step was to spend many an evening walking the streets of old town Edinburgh in the guise of infamous Edinburgh highwayman - Adam Lyal (deceased), telling tales of the city's darker history, albeit in a light-hearted manner. After taking part in the Edinburgh Festival Fringe in the 90's and by being involved in various creative projects during this time (video production, script writing, editing and acting) I gained entry into Equity, although given my crackpot credentials they must let anyone in these days. Currently have a managerial role (apparently) with the same Edinburgh company (The Cadies & Witchery Tours) who specialise in ghostly themed walking tours and also produce our own videos, books, award-winning documentaries and films. Four years ago we even opened our own spooky shop in the heart of Old Town Edinburgh. It's a really great place to work with terrific staff!
www.witcherytours.com
However, my real interests and passions like in the voluntary sector, and since 1995, I have doggedly been helping to co-ordinate group work in Scotland with Share International - an educational, not for profit, non-denominational foundation giving out free information about the gradual emergence of Maitreya - the World Teacher, and the Masters of Wisdom into our everyday world. These enlightened spiritual teachers (or avatars) are here to help us with our most difficult global problems and inspire us to create a new world based on sharing, economic and political justice and global co-operation for ALL people. This is an educational endeavour, vast in scope, that takes up most of my spare time (public lecturing, networking, campaigning etc) and is quite simply the most fantastic work I have ever had the good fortune to be involved in.If you have never heard this story before its well worth checking out - its a REAL MESSAGE OF HOPE given the chaotic and conflict-ridden world that we currently live in (please see video below) as it appeals to our highest aspiration for a better world with the focus on the practical changes that are now taking place to make this possible. One of my main reasons for creating a profile on MySpace was to share this information with others - not that I am asking anyone to believe (or disbelieve) this story, but simply to consider with an open mind and an open heart as something that could possibly be true. If, however, this information is true, then it has major implications for positive global change. Further information on this extraordinary event as it continues to unfold can be found at: www.share-international.org/
Another service activity connected with Share International is transmission meditation, which is primarily a form of world service that also has tremendous personal benefits for the individuals involved. It is a safe, highly scientific and simple group meditation, for the purpose of transmitting spiritual energies, which thus become useful and accessible to the general public. If anyone is looking for a field of service and is also interested in meditation I would strongly suggest trying out transmission meditation. The Edinburgh Transmission Group currently meets three times a week. Admission is always free and everyone is welcome.
www.share-international.org/background/xmission/tm_main.htm
Since 2002, I have been co-ordinating monthly film & dialogue group meetings in Edinburgh that explore the teachings of educator - J Krishnamurti - which aim to develop a holistic and deeper understanding of life and oneself. Am now an information centre contact for 'K' activities in Edinburgh. Further information can be found at: www.kfoundation.org
Being interested in creative self-expression, in 2006 I joined the 'Radical Enlightenmentarians', an inclusive and voluntary drama group who performed several docu-dramatic play readings at St Mark's artSpace venue at the Edinburgh Festival Fringe. The plays, 'David Hume - Citizen of the World' and 'Socrates - Last Days and Legacy', and 'Jeremy Bentham - The Pursuit of Happiness' (Go to Court, Not to War!), all highlight the crucial need for dialogue and justice in today's troubled world. At the Fringe Festival in 2008, we are producing a play reading entitled: 'Adam Smith - Making Poverty History'. The Radicals have recently received a Scotland UnLtd millennium award to create a website and to lay the foundation for future contributions to the Arts. Further details at: www.livingphilosophy.org.uk/
Am also involved in promoting, supporting, networking and helping with various inter-spiritual, multi-faith, and social & political justice related events in Edinburgh, such as 'One World' themed concerts, and in 2006 helped to organise the first visit to Scotland by yogi Swami Vishwananda for a public darshan event. Further information on Swamiji can be found at: www.bhaktimarga.org/
Information on the Edinburgh World Justice Festival at: www.ewjf.org.uk/wp/
Information on the Edinburgh International Centre for World Spiritualities: www.eicws.org/
Information on Edinburgh Inter-Faith Association: www.eifa.org.uk/
Would like to hear from anyone, even those with nothing but rabid irreverent abuse! Don't be shy! :)