SGC Admin Events: Present and Upcoming

From our inbox to you…. from Dawn and Ian James on KARMA and their fabulous Costa Rica retreat in October 2016

SGC Admin: From our inbox to you from Dawn and Ian James: Dawn’s 3 part newsletter on KARMA & Dawn and Ian’s fabulous relaxing retreat in Costa Rica this October…

 

This newsletter if the first in a 3-part series about ‘how to clear karma’. I hope you find it insightful and useful on your path to self-development and personal growth. We all experience challenges or difficulty at one point or another in our lives- some more than others. But the one thing I have witnessed and know for sure is we do have the ability to influence our karma in a positive way.

WHAT IS KARMA

Karma is like a scale which we carry with us for a lifetime or many lifetimes. The scale can be as light as a feather or as heavy as a brick wall. The weight of the scale is affected by the quality of your thoughts and actions and this in turn creates karmic patterns in your life. The saying: what goes around comes around, applies to karma.

HOW KARMA AFFECTS US

Do you consider your life to be easy or simple? Are you living in the flow? Or do you see your life full of challenges, stagnation or disappointments? If the later description resonates with you, then I want you to remember this:  you are influencing the karmic patterns in your life- both favorable and unfavorable patterns.

For example, if you are the type of person who has difficulty saying ‘no’ and you tend to agree to things you really do not want to do or like to do, then you are creating a pattern of resentment in your life.

Alternatively, if you tend to look for the good in others and try to see the positive side of a situation- even a difficult situation, then you are creating a pattern of confidence and personal triumph in your life.

The good news: karma is not fixed or frozen – it’s mutable. Why? Because energy is mutable and the energy of your thoughts and actions can be changed – by you!

KARMA CLEARING TIP #1
Observation without judgement

Observe how others express good patterns and bad patterns of behavior. When you recognize bad patterns it’s because you’ve already experienced that in this life or a past life. You have learned the karmic lesson already.  Learn to observe others with a compassionate eye, as they are still learning their karmic lesson at their own pace. Observe without judgement, without attachment.

KARMA CLEARING TIP #2
Self Observation and Intention

At the end of each day, take a few minutes to reflect on what went right or what went wrong this day. If you are unsettled by a bad behavior or bad experiences – ask yourself what the consequences were of the bad experience. What would you do if a similar situation arises again? How could you act differently, speak differently or think differently. Set an intention to act better next time. Visualize the new positive behavior- allow this vision to imprint in your mind.

“When you focus on others you create karma, when you focus within you clear karma” ~Anonymous

Stay tuned for Part 2 – in March!

Costa Rica Retreat- Join Us!

Awaken Your Senses: 7- Day Costa Rica Retreat
Dates: Oct 1st – 7th 2016

Join us for a mind-ful, heart opening experience as we explore the five senses through nature and sound on the beautiful serene pacific coast of Costa Rica.

About the Retreat

Enjoy the natural beauty of Dominical Costa Rica, at Manu Retreat centre – perched on the mountains overlooking the Pacific Ocean, with 30 acres of lush tropical rain forest. The surrounding landscape is peaceful and breathtaking, inspiring you to awaken your senses.

Relax, Rest & Restore:

Dip into one of two infinity pools, walk through the tropical gardens, lounge and relax in the luxury of your Bali-style villa or bedroom, catch a glimpse of the colorful toucans, savor the delicious meals made with love, enjoy spectacular sunsets every night as you converse with friends, old and new; take in the harmonic and uplifting sounds of crystal and Tibetan singing bowls as you wind down each evening and indulge yourself in the elements of nature. Pause, breathe and enjoy personal time.

‘Awaken Your Senses’ Day trips – this retreat is inclusive of meals, accommodation, activities and day trips.
READ MORE ABOUT THE ACTIVITIES & DAY TRIPS
Save 35% on air travel to Costa Rica- Contact Dawn at 1.888.767.8423 ext 2 to learn more.

Early Bird registration ends May 31st 2016
REGISTER HERE
Hope you can join us!

Dawn & Ian James
SGC Admin Bits and Pieces

From our inbox to you from: Dailyom on “Rooting Down”

January 27, 2016
Rooting Down
Digging Deep for Healing

by Madisyn Taylor

When you establish a den of peace within your core, you empower yourself to act rather than react in distressing situations.

For many people, apprehension manifests itself in the physical self as a potent feeling of heaviness or nausea situated in the depths of the lower abdomen. And it is there, at the seat of the second or sacral chakra, that we must lovingly and deliberately confront the anxiety. By rooting down into the deepest physical reaches of ourselves, we can cleanse ourselves of unease and replenish the space it has left behind with tranquil awareness. Much of what we encounter in our daily lives has the potential to awaken feelings of nervousness within us or make us question whether we are truly in control of our lives. When you establish a den of peace within your core, you empower yourself to act rather than react in distressing situations. Your balanced second chakra helps you respond productively to the turmoil around you while your inwardly directed attention steadies you.

There are many ways to restore your strength and clear negative energy from your core. To ground yourself and regain your emotional equilibrium, concentrate on the second chakra, picturing it as a funnel of vivid orange light. Reach down toward that light with your awareness and channel your breath into the space it occupies. As you balance the chakra, you will become more adaptive and thus better able to stand strong when faced with rapidly changing conditions. You can channel healing energy into your core by visualizing the area below your belly button as an open space into which you channel white, loving light. Like light and air, sound can be a wonderful tool that helps you find your center. Your voice, when drawn from your core in the form of a deep roar or loud shout, can be the vehicle upon which your anxiety is conveyed into the ether. Take a low stance, much like a football player, root your feet into the earth, and then roar like a lion. Really feel it in your bell! y. It may sound silly, but chances are you will feel much less anxious and much more grounded into your body.

A situation that seems hopeless when viewed from a perspective colored by fear may become easily manageable when approached with a serene heart and mind. As you root down into your core, you’ll discover that the trepidation and helplessness you feel within you is not invincible. Rather, it will respond readily to your efforts to eradicate it, leaving you feeling peaceful and capable of calmly handling any challenging circumstances that arise.

SGC Admin "thoughts", Bits and Pieces

From our inbox to you from: DailyOm on “Understanding all Sides”

January 24, 2016
Understanding All Sides
Owning Your Tendencies

by Madisyn Taylor

Looking at only one side of our life can make us blind to the many other ways of looking at our situation.

Whenever we examine our lives, we examine them from a particular side or angle. Most of us tend to favor one side over the others. For example, we may tend to look at things from an emotional perspective rather than a financial perspective, or we may prefer to think in terms of details rather than the big picture, or vice versa. To a certain degree, this is not a problem, and these tendencies add color to our individual personalities. However, they can also make us one-sided, blind to the many other ways of looking at our situation. Even if we have decided that we are most happy when we focus on one particular side of things, it is always worth exploring the other sides. When we do, we become well rounded, more understanding of other viewpoints, and even more solid in our own.

Perhaps you are a person who tends to see your life in terms of your spiritual well-being. As a result, other concerns such as financial comfort or social standing may not be prominent in your mind as you make decisions. However, taking just a moment to consider those angles will help you in several ways. One, it will enable you to see more clearly what your priorities are and how they influence your life situation. Two, it will enhance your sense of confidence, because you will see your situation from all sides, even as you choose one. And three, it will help you communicate with others about who you are and what you are doing, because you will come from a place of understanding that your own biases and tendencies are unique as are theirs.

Most of us instinctively come at things from a particular angle, and in many cases this is the right way for us. Still, understanding the other angles only strengthens us. When we look at our lives from all sides, we shed light on the big picture, giving ourselves access to many points of view and highlighting more clearly the one we have chosen to take.

SGC Admin Events: Present and Upcoming, Uncategorized

From our inbox to you: What’s on at the Whitby Library for February 2016

OverDrive Enhancements

It’s hard to believe, but it has been almost five years since we launched our OverDrive eBook collection. eBooks have exploded in that short time, and we’re gratified to see how popular the collection is. Since the launch, our collection has grown by leaps and bounds (with new titles added all of the time) and we’ve expanded the service to include eAudiobooks.

OverDrive has changed over the years as well, and recently made some important modifications to our eBook site. There’s a new look, new features and new sign-in options. A bit more about this below:

New Look
The new design includes includes easy-to-understand item availability, as well as quick links that let you borrow titles or place holds right away.

New Features
New sorting and filtering options make it easier to find the title you’re looking for and make new discoveries. You can now filter your search results by availability, format, date added, subject, and more. You can also sort search results by relevance and popularity. Tabs at the top of the page let you to see what’s new and trending in the library’s eBook collection.

New Sign-In Options
You can still sign in directly with your library card number and PIN, but now you have the option to link your library card with an OverDrive account or your Facebook account. For more details, see OverDrive’s web page on which sign-in option is best for you.

This isn’t all. There’s a full list of enhancements on the OverDrive Help page. Overdrive is also planning to introduce new features that will work with readers who use OverDrive and Facebook accounts in the near future. These include personalized recommendations while browsing the website, new ways to manage your checkouts, holds, and wish list items, and more. Stay tuned!

Person using photocopier.

Printer and Photocopier Changes Coming to All Branches 

We’re pleased to announce new enhancements to our printer and photocopier system at all library branches. The improved system will let you send print jobs from anywhere wirelessly: from your own laptop within the library, and even from home or work. In addition to remote printing, we’re also adding more colour printing capability, with colour-enabled printers/copiers on the first floor of the Central Library and at the Brooklin Branch.

We’re also making changes to the printing and photocopying payment system at all library locations. Photocopies and printouts will be paid for using your library card and the coin-operated payment system will no longer be available. You will be able to load funds onto your library card at any service desk, and you can then scan your card at the machine to pay for printouts and photocopies. No card? No problem. Visitors who don’t have a library card can ask staff for assistance.

The new card payment system and remote printing service will be introduced at the Central Library in early February, followed by the Brooklin Branch and the Rossland Branch.
Did You Know?

You Can Borrow Admission Passes

Boy swimming underwater.We have all kinds of materials to borrow at all of our branches, including books, DVDs, CDs, video games, language learning kits, but did you know we also have admission passes you can borrow? Check out a Skate and Swim Pass and explore Whitby’s recreation facilities. More of a history buff? We also have passes to the Parkwood National Historic Site (also known as the Parkwood Estate) which was the home of Robert Samuel McLaughlin, whose car company evolved into General Motors of Canada. The estate is now a museum, and has been the set of a number of feature films and TV shows, including X-Men, Murdoch Mysteries, Bomb Girls and Amelia.

Each pass entitles you to free admission for up to five people (maximum two adults with the Parkwood Museum Pass), and you can use the passes an unlimited number of times during the checkout period. You can even place a hold on the passes and pick them up at your WPL branch of choice.

See our web page for more about the Skate and Swim pass, or place a hold on one here. Click here to place a hold on the Parkwood Museum Pass.
Upcoming Programs

Photo of Marilyn Sinclair.

African History: Global Identity at the Central Library 
Monday, Februrary 1
7:00 to 9:00 pm
Meeting Room 1B

Marilyn Sinclair, Founder of Cross Cultural Tapestry will lead a discussion on the diversity, connections and contributions of people of African descent from Africa, the Diaspora, Canada and locally.

Registration is required. Register for African History: Global Identity online or by contacting any branch.

Teen Advisory Group.

Teen Advisory Group at the Central Library 
Thursday, February 11
Meeting Room 1
4:00 to 5:00 pm

Looking for community service hours? Want to help plan programs for teens at the library? Know of a good book that the library should buy? If you’re in grades 7 to 12 you’re eligible to join our Teen Advisory Group (TAG) where you get to boss us around. We meet on the second Thursday of each month from 4:00 to 5:00 p.m. February’s meeting will take place on February 11 in Meeting Room 1.

There’s no need to register to attend, just stop by on February 11 to have your say. For more information contact the Children’s and Adult Fiction Department at 905 668-6531 Ext. 2010 or email askcaf@whitbylibrary.on.ca.

Registration is not required. Just drop in!

A Walk in the Woods movie poster.

Big Screen Film Club at the Brooklin Branch 
Thursday, February 18
6:30 to 8:30 pm

Read a movie, watch a book. Join us for the Big Screen Film Club to enjoy movies that are based on books. The Club will meet on the third Thursday of the every month, and adults 18 and over are invited to register and join us for a free film screening and discussion.
February’s film is A Walk in the Woods, based on the novel of the same name by author Bill Bryson.

After spending two decades in England, Bill Bryson returns to the U.S. where he decides the best way to connect with his homeland is to hike the Appalachian Trail with one of his oldest friends. (Description from IMDb.com)

This film is rated 14A according to the Ontario Film Review Board. Closed captioning will be available for this film.

Registration is required. Register for the Big Screen Film Club online or by contacting any branch.

Stuffed bear reading.

Books Before Bed at the Brooklin Branch 
Tuesday, February 2, 9, 16, 23
7:00 to 7:30 pm

Come in your pajamas, bring your favorite stuffed animal and snuggle up with your parents by the fireplace as you enjoy stories, songs and rhymes before bed. All ages are welcome!

Registration is not required. Just drop in!

Heart shape with fruits and vegetables inside.

Heart Healthy Habits at the Rossland Branch 
Thursday, February 11
2:30 to 3:30 pm

Celebrate Heart Month with us. A representative from the Heart and Stroke Foundation will discuss tips and strategies to keep your most important muscle healthy and happy all year.

Registration is required. Register for Heart Healthy Habits onlineor by contacting any branch.

Kendama.

Valentine Kendama at the Rossland Branch
Saturday, February 13
10:30 to 11:30 am

The Kendama is a traditional Japanese ball and cup toy. Make your sweetheart a special edible Kendama and a cool bling card. For children in grades 1 and up.
Book Marks 

An American in Canada 
Book cover of Grass Beyond the Mountains.
Are you a William Murdoch fan? Who doesn’t like that handsome, intelligent (if slightly nerdy) police detective who solves crimes in 1900s Toronto? Murdoch Mysteries, based on the books by Maureen Jennings, is not the only CBC series to feature Yannick Bisson. He also stars in the TV Series called Nothing Too Good for a Cowboy, based on the book,Grass Beyond the Mountain by Richmond P. Hobson Jr. His character is an American who comes to the Canadian West in the 1930s to build a successful 4 million acre cattle ranch while facing hardship and packs of wandering wolves. The story continues in book two, Nothing Too Good for a Cowboy and the third book, Rancher Takes a Wife, says it all. An exciting and adventurous non-fiction trilogy set in our own backyard.  
Books, Research and More

Multilingual Matters

Book cover of War_s Unwomanly Face.

Belarusian Writer Wins 2015 Nobel Prize in Literature

Svetlana Aleksievich, a Belarusian journalist and writer who was awarded the 2015 Nobel Prize in literature, primarily documented Chernobyl, the Afghanistan War, and Soviet women in World War II inher works.

While researching for her books, Aleksievich interviewed hundreds of people. She focused on their daily lives and the disappearance of their way of life, rather than the political climate of the surrounding war or disaster. The library has a selection of her works, including three Russian novellas, T͡Sinkovye malʹchiki, Zacharovannye smertʹi͡u andChernobylʹskai͡a molitva, in one volume.
Virtual Branch: WPL on the Web

Person fixing a car.

Auto Repair Reference Centre  

As one of the most important automotive centres in Canada, Durham Region has always had a great car culture. For many, that means fixing and maintaining your own wheels. But as cars get more sophisticated, fixing them isn’t as easy as it used to be. If you want to do some work under the hood, give our new Auto Repair Reference Centre(ARRC) database a try.

AARC has repair and maintenance information, including drawings, service bulletins/recalls, step-by-step photographs and wiring diagrams for thousands of domestic and imported vehicles from 1954 to present. All parts of the vehicle are covered, including transmissions, brakes, ignition, electrical, exhaust, heating/cooling and more. All of the content has been created by ASE (Auto Service Excellence) certified technicians. ARRC replaces our Chilton’s Auto Repair database.

And while we’re on the topic of online databases, you may have noticed some changes to the resources that we offer. Thanks to a province-wide funding program, we were able to provide access to several online databases. This program concluded at the end of 2015 and some of these resources will no longer be available through the library.

However, while our online offerings have changed, we still offer an excellent collection of databases on a wide variety of subjects. Whether you’re writing a high school or university paper, searching for businesses or researching your family history, our website is your gateway to academic journals,historical newspapers, magazine articles and many other helpful resources.
SGC Admin Astrology Info, Astrology Notes, Uncategorized

Wednesday January 27th 2016

thanks GrandTrines… take some time out folks to meditate.. or at the very least “be in the moment” of whatever it is your are doing… :)

Grandtrines's avatarGrandtrines

Wednesday January 27th 2016

Wednesday is similar to Tuesday: a very lunar day with the Moon in Virgo.  The morning starts as a straightforward workday followed by a glitch or two here or there.  Once past these we have smooth sailing into the evening.  An opportunity may come to you late Wednesday afternoon; seize it.  To be sure, it will require work, and it may not be entirely straightforward.  It will not be a HUGE opporunity but something shorter term.  Still, it is likely to be worthy of pursuit.  Moon turns v/c at 6:11 PM CST, so fully seize the opportunity before then (and lock it in) or forgo it altogether and spend the evening cleaning house.

An early morning BiSeptile between Mars and Uranus brings a bit of karma in odd interactions with others.  We may have anger and explosive reactions, but invariably (in most cases) this brings more…

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