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A P R M A Y 2 0 1 6
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EDITORS
It’s almost that time of year again where we reach deep in our cupboards for the wooly scarves, boots, jackets and warm blankets. The best way to survive the autumn and winter months is by preparing your home and family in advance. This issue covers preparedness by confirming that it is not only a winning mindset but also perseverance and kindness that will get you through anything you encounter in life. Whether it is the exileration of trail running with Ryan Sandes, helping fellow students like Naseem Khan or reading and understanding the principles of living in the now with Jill Jacques.
ED’s teach, travel and experience
- H Jackson brown JNR, PS I LOVE YOU
Discover a world of possibility through teaching and travelling in Asia. This article talks about the pros cons. By D Eslick DISCLAIMER
Profusion is a registered trademark of Profusion Media (PTY) LTD. The material contained in this publication is copyright and belongs to Profusion Media, unless otherwise indicated. No part of this publication may be quoted, photocopied, reproduced, translated or stored by any electronic system without prior written permission of Profusion. While every reasonable precaution is taken to ensure the accuracy and soundness of the contents of this publication, the use of the information contained herein is at the readers' own risk. The information provided in this publication is for general information purposes only and does not constitute legal, psychological, financial or other professional advice, on any subject matter. You are encouraged to obtain professional advice before taking any course of action relating to information, ideas and opinions expressed in this publication. The reader accepts full responsibility and risk of any injury, damage or loss resulting from the use or reliance on information contained in this publication. Profusion, its authors, publishers, employees and/or agents will not bear any responsibility for damages or injury which may result relating to the use of, or inability to use, this publication or the information contained herein. Acceptance of material for publication is not a guarantee that the material will in fact be included in a particular issue since this depends on the space available. Contributions may be edited for clarity, space and/or language. Editorial opinion or comment is, unless otherwise stated, that of the editor and publication thereof does not indicate the agreement of any institution featured in the magazine unless otherwise stated. The appearance of an advertisement in this publication does not necessarily indicate approval by Profusion Media for the product or service advertised.
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+27 76 900 4444 info@profusionmag.co.za www.profusionmag.co.za Postnet Suite 122, Pvt Bag X1, Florida Hills, 1716 Editor Allan Desmet allandesmet@profusionmag.co.za CONTRIBUTORS Natalie Singer - TALENT3SIXTY Writers Daniel Eslick Eugene Yiga FELICITY LOOPSTRA Jeanne du Plessis Lisa Dewberry Nicolette Bosman Nothando siziba Taryn Herbst Graphics/ Layout Rene du Plessis
8 Run for life 32 Help! I think my employer
has treated me unfairly 50 Should you get an advanced degree
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Oliver Mtukudzi Abortion Teach, trave and experience Asia Getting what you want Mindfulness
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By Nicolette Bosman
When one reads books set in historical times, one often reads about the women being part of sewing, knitting or quilting circles where they would make joint or individual projects.
APR | MAY 2016
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First made from bone, wood and bark and later from leather, glass and porcelain. Today many thimbles (like so much else) are made from plastic. Not if you are part of the Stitch & Stitch ladies sewing group, the brainchild of Janet Ryan, leader of the group, and Elsabe Hurn, owner of Bernina Meadowdale. The concept might be an old one but if you consider the number of women who enjoy sewing, it is still a very relevant one.
Bernina sells high quality sewing machines and also offers sewing lessons at all levels. The Stitch and Stitch group is currently full but if Meadowdale is in your area and you want to learn or sharpen sewing skills, why not contact them to find out more about what they offer or to put your name on the waiting list. Otherwise, why don’t you contact your local sewing or sewing machine shop to find out whether they know of a similar group?
The ladies, a group of about 10, are all keen needlewomen who get together on the first and third Tuesdays of every month. One Tuesday they work on a joint project, such as the charity quilt they make for a needy cause/person once a year. On the other Tuesday, they work on their own UFO’s (UnFinished Objects). They bring along their sewing projects and work on them while chatting to others in the group and sharing ideas on techniques, projects and skills.
Here’s a free sewing tip for you: Keep the last bit of your cake of soap and use it as a marker for your sewing. It shows up well and will wash out easily!
The history of sewing goes back almost 25 000 years to the prehistoric era when archaeologists believe Ice Age man used to sew furs and pelts together. Iron sewing needles dating back to third century BC came from the Celtic Hill Fort at Manching, Germany. Chinese archaeologists found a complete set of sewing needles and thimbles in the tomb of an official from the Han Dynasty (202 BC -220 AD), the oldest known thimble. A thimble is a device that helps push needles through tough, materials such as animal skins and bark. PROFUSION MAGAZINE
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RUN FOR By EUGENE YIGA
Since blasting onto the trail running scene in 2008, Ryan Sandes has captured the hearts and imaginations of people all over the world. He’s now written a book to show that our minds are powerful and that we can achieve a lot more than we think.
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When did you first start running? I started running during my final year at university, while doing my honours in quantity surveying. I had some friends running a half-marathon so I decided to join them.
What was the hardest thing when you started running professionally? I had cut back on seeing my friends, which was hard. We all grew up together and they shaped me into the person I am today. They are supportive though and I do catch up with them from time to time.
When did you switch to running as your main career? In 2009, I decided to take a bit of a risk and started running full-time. I didn’t have enough sponsorship to get by on a monthly basis but I had some money saved. Luckily, the risk paid off and it all worked out for me.
What are some of the harshest conditions you’ve had to face? Running in 45+ degree temperatures in the Sahara Desert, swimming across caiman-infested rivers in the Amazon Jungle, or running at over 4000 meters of altitude in Colorado. I have run into the odd big snake too!
What was the reaction from your family and friends? My friends thought I was crazy but were all happy for me. My dad and mom are my biggest supporters, however my dad did suggest keeping my 9-to-5 job as the economy was about to go into a recession.
What’s been the most difficult moment you’ve experienced in a race? Dropping out of the Ultra Trail Mont Blanc last year due to not being recovered from glandular fever was tough. Mentally I wanted to do well, but physically my body wouldn't let me. I hit rock bottom in my running carrier after that.
How has your chosen career as a runner changed you? Running ultra-distance races and being a party animal don't go well together. I tried to do both for a bit but that didn't work. I had to choose so I transitioned from party animal to spending more time in the mountains. I am an all-or-nothing person so when I chose running, I threw everything at it!
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Besides the physical demands, what has been challenging for you so far? During a race you go through a number of highs and lows that affect you mentally and physically. Mentally you feel drained and physically your body wants to stop. It can be a challenge to get through these low moments. How do you get through these difficult times? It’s important to stay calm and focus on the positives. When I am going through a tough situation I break the run down into mini-goals and just focus on getting through one kilometre at a time. Mentally I find this more achievable and it helps me get through low patches in a race. What do you love about running that keeps you going? I enjoy the challenge of setting a goal and achieving it. I enjoy the freedom trail running gives me; it’s a form of escape from reality. There is nothing to worry about when running. What have been your biggest highlights as a runner? Winning my first ultra (the 4 Deserts Gobi Race, where the numbers vary from 180 to 400 runners) and winning an ultra-race on every continent.
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What does it feel like when you win a race? A massive sense of achievement and elation. Looking back now, I am proud of my victories but it is all the little experiences and moments leading up to my victories that I remember most. What is your favourite place to run? There are too many to name! Table Mountain will always be special to me as it is an extension of my back garden. Patagonia is incredible and it is always humbling running in the Alps. How do the marathons abroad compare to our local races? Every race is different but we have some great races at home in South Africa. The ultra-running scene is a lot bigger in Europe, US, and some of the other countries. In France or Spain, it is not uncommon to have 20 000 or 30 000 spectators. Do you get to experience the different countries you go to? Running through a country is the best way to experience a place first-hand as you have direct interaction with the people and nature.
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I always try and explore as much of the country as possible when visiting it. The world is such a big place so I feel fortunate to have raced and run on all seven continents. I have met so many awesome people and had some great experiences.
- Ryan Sandes on HIS most difficult moment DURING A race.
What is your schedule like now? I normally run three to four key races a year, depending on the distance. When I’m not racing or preparing for a race, I like to chill out. I spend time with my wife Vanessa and our four-legged child “T-dog”. We often go to the beach, go for walks, and braai at home. I also like catching up with friends and having a bit of a laugh. What is your book Trail Blazer about? Trail Blazer is about my life to date. I never aspired to be a runner but now running means so much to me. I talk about what I have learned through my experiences and have included a number of reader take-outs for endurance athletes. I hope that by telling my story I will inspire other people to go out and live their dreams. PROFUSION MAGAZINE
What final message would you like to give to our readers? Focus on the positives in your life and make the most of them. You only live once and are in control of your own destiny. Follow Ryan’s runs at
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EVERY ISSUE
VULNERABLE
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RED
AFRICAN Loxodonta africana By RENE DU PLESSIS
The species is the largest terrestrial animal and has been the subject of considerable research, but continent-wide distribution and density estimates are difficult to obtain for any one time period. To a large extent this is due to the enormous range covered by the species (and thus the cost of estimating its numbers) as well as to the wide variety of habitats it occupies.
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Population Trends Although elephant populations may at present be declining in parts of their range, major populations in Eastern and Southern Africa, accounting for over two thirds of all known elephants on the continent, have been surveyed, and are currently increasing at an average annual rate of 4.0% per annum (Blanc et al. 2005, 2007). As a result, more than 15,000 elephants are estimated to have been recruited into the population in 2006 and, if current rates of increase continue, the number of elephants born in these populations between 2005 and 2010 will be larger than the currently estimated total number of elephants in Central and West Africa combined. In other words, the magnitude of ongoing increases in Southern and Eastern Africa are likely to outweigh the magnitude of any likely declines in the other two regions. Threats African elephants have less room to roam than ever before as expanding human populations convert land for agriculture, settlements and developments. The elephants’ range shrank from three million square miles in 1979 to just over one million square miles in 2007.
Commercial logging, plantations for biofuels and extractive industries like logging and mining not only destroy habitat but also open access to remote elephant forests for poachers. Poverty, armed conflict and the displacement of people by civil conflict also add to habitat loss and fragmentation. All of these push elephants into smaller islands of protected areas and hinder elephants’ freedom to roam.
Conservation efforts To reduce the illegal killing of elephants through improved protection and management, WWF equips and trains law enforcement teams so they can conduct regular and effective antipoaching patrols. We help establish new protected areas within elephant ranges and improve management effectiveness within existing protected areas. To increase public support for elephant conservation by reducing conflict, WWF trains wildlife managers and local communities to use modern methods and tools to mitigate human-elephant conflict.
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ON THE AFRICAN ELEPHANT AND HOW YOU CAN GET INVOLVED BE SURE TO VISIT: http://www.worldwildlife.org PROFUSION MAGAZINE http://www.iucnredlist.org
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EVERY ISSUE
CAUSE OF THE
GROWING By Nicolette Bosman
While all the Ukwakha iSizwe Foundation projects share the goal of assisting the less fortunate to take their rightful places in the community, two are specifically targeted at doing so through empowering entrepreneurs. Other than that, they are completely different in nature. RedOker is a company which manufactures high quality leather accessories and was birthed out of another UIF initiative, hArt (Hope and Restoration). The project was caring for young men who had been living on the streets when businessman, Casper Versluis, offered to teach those interested leatherworking skills. The young men took to the craft like the proverbial ‘ducks to water’ and the results exceeded Casper’s wildest expectations. Through the iniative RedOker developed into a business that supports the revival of manufacturing industries which are slowly disappearing as a result of cheaper imports and automation. RedOker manufactures products such as handbags, briefcases, wallets and belts and they have been very well received.
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They are chiefly sold through ecommerce but a number of stores in South Africa and Australia also stock them. Casper now heads up RedOker and continues to impart skills to his staff and some of the original trainees from hArt are still working for the company. RedOker is truly an example of entrepreneurship in action. PROFUSION MAGAZINE
Paradigm Shift, on the other hand, is a training and mentorship programme which assists people who are already micro entrepreneurs and are running small businesses with a required minimum daily income. The key is in helping to develop their entrepreneurship skills further. The programme partners with churches in communities to provide training, coaching, resources and materials. It specifically targets individuals who have turned to entrepreneurship as a way out of poverty and aims to help them grow their businesses beyond subsistence by providing Business training, Discipleship, Microcredit and Mentorship. Paradigm Shift works to develop a more effective, sustainable way to reach the poor in their communities. It believes that a more sustainable approach to poverty alleviation creates empowerment rather than dependency. The UIF project works with the Foundation in association with Cornerstone Church Why Entrepreneurship? Entrepreneurship creates empowerment and places an individual in the driver’s seat of changing their own circumstances. In South Africa, the unemployment rate is so high that, often, even the most industrious cannot find work to put food on the table. So out of sheer necessity many people create their own small businesses as a path toward financial sustainability.
However, these micro entrepreneurs often lack the basic business skills and capital required for their businesses to grow. As a result, these businesses remain stunted and operate at a subsistence level, making it difficult for micro entrepreneurs to meet their basic needs. The program was designed to give micro entrepreneurs business training and microloans to grow their businesses and create financial sustainability for their families. It also meets other needs of participants through discipleship and mentorship opportunities. The programme operates in two phases – Training and Mentorship. Participants attend a seven-week Business Skills course presented by businessmen. After this, they are allocated a mentor who works with them for a period of six months. The mentor is a person active in the business community and the two meet regularly to discuss the business’ progress and challenges. The project is thus also a way in which business people can get involved in growing small business. If you would like to assist in building the nation by supporting any of the Ukwakha iSizwe initiatives please visit their website at http://www.uifoundation.co.za
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PRO CULTURE LYDIA CHILD
DELICIOUS
a musical
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DELICIOUS
CHICKEN FILLETS, POTATO AND BUTTERNUT By WHATSFORDINNER SERVING
4
PREPARATION
10 mins
COOKING
50 mins
Quick and easy and full of flavour - your family will love this delicious combination of chicken, potato and butternut infused with garlic and herbs.
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200 ml Cream 350 g baby potatoes 350 g butternut, peeled and cubed 400 g chicken fillet, cut into strips 1 KNORR Cook-in-Bag Garlic and Rosemary
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No need to preheat oven. Place chicken, butternut, whole baby potatoes and cream into the cooking bag and season with dry KNORR mixture. Close bag at end with blue tie supplied. Very gently massage KNORR mixture into chicken on a stable surface. Ensure dry mixture is spread evenly. Place bag sideways in a cool oven dish, ensuring ingredients are evenly spaced. Bake at 180 Degrees C for 50 minutes on the lowest shelf in the oven. Ensure that the grill is off at all times. Keep enough room for the bag to expand (bag must not touch the sides of the oven).
Carefully cut bag open, coat chicken and potatoes in any remaining juices and transfer to a serving dish. Cut the bag open and transfer to a serving dish with any sauce that is in the bag. FOR MORE RECIPES LIKE THIS ONE, VISIT WHATSFORDINNER.CO.ZA
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PRO CULTURE FEATURE
Oliver Mtukudzi:
By NOTHANDO SIZIBA
APR | MAY 2016
PROFUSION MAGAZINE
Despite the fact that Zimbabwe has all types of music genres you can think of, 'Tuku Music' has evolved into something quite distinct from any other Zimbabwean music. Oliver Mtukudzi's sound is a blend of traditional East African genres and modern subgenres of Afro-pop, and is well-known for his graceful onstage dance moves, which he performs while playing.
Gifted with a deep and mind-blowing voice is a Zimbabwean Musician born in the early 1950s is the man named Oliver “Tuku” Mtukudzi. He is talented in singing and writing songs that reflect mostly on the daily life and the struggles that people “African” go through every day. With his career span of more than twenty (20) years, Mtukudzi has produced more than thirty (30) original albums and most of them recognised bestsellers. He has earned respect and admiration of the people in Zimbabwe through the dedication to the live music scene thus playing to enthusiastic audiences even in the most remote parts of the country. Oliver’s aspiration to bring his message to a wider audience led him to endeavour into the worlds of film and stage.
Through his music he reveals how his culture has shaped him to who he is. This can be clearly noted by what constitutes his songs for example; the traditional forms of the mbira, South African mbaqanga and the popular Zimbabwean music style called jiti are all evident in his sound. However these have been refined into an artistic way that is now very much of his kind.
His music has become the most recognised across the world and has earned devoted following across Africa and beyond. Oliver Mtukudzi's music frequently tackles social issues, particularly poverty and the AIDS epidemic that is responsible for so much misery in Africa. He sings in the nation’s dominant Shona language, along with Ndebele and English, also incorporates elements of various musical traditions, giving his music a distinctive style, known to fans as 'Tuku Music'.
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Apart from the uniqueness of his music, Tuku's continuing popularity has largely resulted from his powers as a lyricist. Most of his songs focus on the social and economic issues that govern people's daily lives.
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His music does not only appeal to a certain group of people but from young to old. This clearly indicates his dedication to the cultural type of music that encompasses all the life situations of every generation. Being an African does not limit one to only concentrate in performing arts only in his or her own country. Oliver is a perfect example of an African who has the mentality of saying “The sky is the limit.” Mtukudzi has toured all over the world, performing for large audiences in the UK and North America, for example. He also performs regularly in South Africa and Mozambique. His commitment to fighting the AIDs pandemic through his open approach to the topic in his songs has contributed greatly to refurbishing a sense of care and accountability within the wider community. As the oldest of seven children, Oliver developed a sense of social and economic responsibility early in life due to the untimely death of his father. Thus his music has no age restrictions it teaches everyone a lesson about life one way or the other, whether rich or poor.
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Oliver Mtukudzi has been collaborating with UNICEF Zimbabwe on a number of themes and one of the major themes includes child and youth participation and HIV prevention. Worth remarking is Mtukudzi’s song “Deaf Hear”, especially composed and dedicated to children, at the request of UNICEF Zimbabwe and donated free of charge on the occasion of the 2010 ‘Day of the African Child’ commemorations. He has worked so hard for his career by making it a point that he hasn’t forgotten his roots because he remembers culture is the part and parcel of our everyday lives. ‘Tuku’ has staged several times at the international level however, this has not made him change or forgot that he is proudly an African. The flow of his culture depicted in his songs has made him a real African man that never departs from his cultural roots and background.
PROFUSION MAGAZINE
OLIVER MTUKUDZI: A MUSICAL TREASURE
One might say that music is a form or a way of expressing yourself of who you are and your lifestyle. This is true when a tour is considered to be taken at Oliver’s music, it reveals how much he values his culture and how he wishes people to understand that being an African is all you can dream of. Simply saying; be proud to be who you are, because you can bring the change in Africa through music that values cultural beliefs and uplifts people’s confidence in being a ‘true African’.
OLIVER MTUKUDZI
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CULTURE
uniquely part of africa
© IMAGE SOURCE
By Nothando siziba
In as much as Africa can be described as sharing the similar cultural beliefs, today will quickly take you on a tour of one unique tribe called ‘Tonga’. This group of people is found in four different parts of Africa namely; Zambia, Malawi, Zimbabwe and Mozambique. It’s one of the most intriguing tribe of people, the Tonga people. It is a unique tribe of people that to this day holds on to its own cultural beliefs, life styles, customs and survival, despite all threats of the present day modern life.
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Tradition says the Tonga came from the north, perhaps from the Maravi people or the Tumbuka. Their claim to be a separate tribe rests only on their acceptance of a common name, the Tonga. Until the coming of the Nguni in 1855, they had been a matrilineal people and had never possessed a centralized government.
The Tonga follows ancient practices of tribal religion. Like other African "religions" this is not an institutional religion in the western academic sense. It is sometimes referred to by Christians as Ancestor Worship, due to the respect of deceased members of the community.
The Tonga people were primarily a fishing nation with cassava as their staple food. This is due to the fact that they are most located close to the Zambezi River especially the ones that come from Zimbabwe, who live near Kariba Lake and Zambezi River. Through mission education, they were able to earn higher wages during colonial times and worked primarily as porters, skilled or semi-skilled workers, and armed auxiliaries during the attack on Kimaurunga.
However, the Tonga adopted the Nguni custom of marriage payment of cattle, with kin liable for further payments if a child or wife fell ill. There is a custom where males could not divorce their wives without a hearing of public disclaimer, while she and her family, however, could dismiss him without formality, unless he had a wealthy or otherwise powerful family. The kin of a woman dying away from home could also demand burial permission and heavy payment from the husband.
They have their own distinct way of living; music, dance and literature are part of Tonga daily life. Grandparents tell stories around the evening fire passing on knowledge and principles to the children. The story telling part is supposed to bring different lessons for both young and old. There are different themes involved in these lessons; lessons may be as varied as how to be creative in your speech to capture a woman’s heart, how to be imaginative, how to be successful by working hard through the means of using their hands, and how to behave in certain situations for instance in solving problems. PROFUSION MAGAZINE
Like most African peoples, the basic view of the world is a dynamic one that has been characterized as religious. On 24th September 2004 the BaTonga Museum preserving the life, history and culture of the Tonga people of Zimbabwe was officially opened. Museum of BaTonga's objects is to create awareness about the richness and dignity of the Tonga community, and preserve it for future generations.
APR | MAY 2016
“People are not your most important asset. The RIGHT people are.” – Jim Collins
BOOST YOUR CAREER PROSPECTS Talent3sixty offers free online courses for individuals looking to enhance their career prospects. Courses include: Choosing a career Job search 101 Know your rights Ace that interview Dress for success Taking control of your nerves Get that promotion
Go to www.talent3sixty.co.za to enrol and boost your chances for success! APR | MAY 2016
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HR HELP! My EMPLOYer has treated me unfairly hero of the
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HR
EMPLOYEE By NATALIE SINGER
For many employees, especially those who’re new to the world of work, there might be confusion about what you should expect from your employer. To assist you we’ve tried to cover a couple of the key things you should know in terms of your rights as an employee.
According to the Basic Conditions of Employment Act (BCEA), all individuals who work for more than 24 hours in a month for an employer are entitled to be presented with an employment contract. This contract needn’t be highly technical but should include at least the following basic information that will assist both parties – employee and employer – to understand what they should expect from the relationship:
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Type/duration of employment Is this a permanent, temporary, full-time or part-time position? What is the start date? What is the end date (if for a specific period of time, e.g. project work or peak season temp job) Temporary employees are entitled to the same benefits under the BCEA as permanent employees once they work longer than 24 hours in a month, for example, sick and annual leave, paid public holidays etc.
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Days and Hours of work What days and hours are you expected to be at work? The BCEA specifies that you should not work more than 45 hours in any given week, or more than 12 hours in any given day, and that you should have at least 36 consecutive hours off for a rest period, although this need not be on a weekend. You’re entitled to an hour’s lunch in any work day/shift that is eight hours long. You may also be given shorter tea times, depending on the industry you work in. It should be noted that break times are not paid and therefore not factored into your timesheet if you’re hourly paid, for example. Duties & Responsibilities What are the primary duties and responsibilities of the position? This helps to ensure that the employee understands what they must do and provides the guideline for employers to manage performance. Typically, the employment contract contains a summarised version of the duties and responsibilities, if you’re unsure about the details, ask the employer to provide you with a more comprehensive job description and the expected performance requirements so that you can be sure to meet (and ideally exceed) these.
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Rate AND frequency of payment What is the agreed rate of pay, per hour, per day, per shift, per week or per month? And when will you be paid? Daily? Weekly? Monthly? The contract should stipulate the day or date that you can expect to be paid. Determine whether you will be paid in cash or via bank transfer, noting that if you bank with a different bank to your employer there may be a slight delay in your money clearing into your account. Reasons and processes for termination of contract Both the employee and employer reserve the right under law to terminate an employment contract for reasons acceptable under law, providing they give the agreed upon notice. For contracts of less than 6 months duration, a notice period of 1 week is required, for contracts between 6 and 12 months, two weeks’ notice, and for contracts of more than 12 months duration, four weeks is required. It should be remembered that a longer period of notice is acceptable and is considered to be advantageous to an employee.
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PRO FESSION FEATURE
I think my employer has treated me unfairly By NATALIE SINGER
We’ve had many enquiries from employees who’re unsure about their rights and recourse in the case of expected unfair treatment by their employers. To assist all of our readers, we’ve covered some of the most Frequently Asked Questions and provided some guidance on what the next step should be.
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Notwithstanding this, you should not work more than 45 hours in a week and are entitled to a rest period of at least 36 consecutive hours per week. If your boss is not prepared to compromise, you should take the matter up with your local Department of Labour office, or if there is a Union on site, perhaps discuss this with them.
Q: I haven’t been paid for the past two weeks. What can I do? A: Firstly, I suggest that if you’ve not already done so, go and talk to your manager. Find out whether there is any reason that this might have happened – did you perhaps not complete your timesheets properly or change your bank account and forget to tell the company? If you’ve done nothing wrong and the employer simply hasn’t paid then you have the right to raise this concern with your local Department of Labour office.
Q: I just got my pay slip and see that the company took money from my salary – why? A: Your employer is required, by law, to deduct statutory taxes and benefits. If you earn in excess of R8000 per month you will be required to pay PAYE (tax).
Q: My employer expects me to work 16 hours a day, every day. I’m exhausted but when I request time off I’m told that if I’m not prepared to work the hours then they’ll find someone else who will.
This is deducted by the company and paid directly to SARS each time you’re paid. The employer will also be required to deduct 1% of your salary, to a maximum of R181 per month, for UIF. This is paid to Department of Labour and will build up in the form of credits in case you become unemployed in the future and need to claim UIF.
A: Sorry to hear that you’re exhausted, it’s no wonder, working such long hours. The BCEA dictates that the maximum number of hours anyone earning under R205 433 per annum can work in a week is 45 hours. Ideally, no single day should be longer than 12 hours, after which overtime should be paid at a rate of 1.5 of your normal hourly wage.
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The pay slip that you received should include the details of any deductions. I recommend that you sit down with your manager or the payroll person to ask them to go through it with you so that you can better understand how things work. Q: I was not feeling well and missed two days of work but because I didn’t go to the doctor the employer is not willing to pay sick leave. Can they do that? A: Yes. The legislation is clear. For sick leave in excess of one day, the employer is fully entitled to request proof of illness, usually a doctor’s note, before paying sick leave. My recommendation would be that in future you do visit your local doctor or clinic to access this proof. Q: I was called into my boss’ office and told that they don’t need me anymore and that I should pack my things and leave. Are they allowed to just fire me like that?
APR | MAY 2016
A: Termination of employment is complex and depends a lot on the circumstances of the business, your relationship with the employer and of course your performance. It is difficult to provide advice without more information. However, I can confirm that if they don’t require your services anymore because the business is not doing well, they would be entitled to terminate your employment via retrenchment, which is considered a no-fault dismissal. However, they would be required to pay you at least your notice pay and in the case where you’ve worked for them for more than 12 months, at least 1 week’s severance pay per completed year of service. If there are performance or disciplinary issues, the employer should have followed process and completed performance review or disciplinary procedures, such as counselling or a hearing, before terminating employment. If this is not the case, you are recommended to take your complaint to the CCMA who will be able to assess whether you’ve been unfairly dismissed.
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HELP! I think my employer has treated me unfairly
Recourse As a general rule of thumb your first port of call in any situation where you’re unhappy should be your manager. Sometimes issues are simply misunderstandings that can be quickly resolved. If you believe that you’re not receiving the type of assistance or result from the organisation then you should consider seeking outside assistance. Trade Unions can assist if they have representation at your employer’s company. Typically you would need to be a member of the Trade Union to access their help.
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The Department of Labour is the best place to address issues relating to payment, hours of work, payment of statutory benefits, or safety concerns. There are many labour centres, in most areas, and you can find a list and contact details by visiting www.labour.gov.za If your issue relates to unfair dismissal then you would be best served by lodging a case at the CCMA. For more information on how to do this, please visit www.ccma.org.za
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HERO OF THE
By TARYN HERBST
APR | MAY 2016
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Going to University can be a costly experience, as the recent Fees Must Fall protests have shown. Once you are in through the door you still need to cover other ‘hidden’ expenses like toiletries and stationery. Especially when it comes to toiletries, smelling bad can lead to a lot nasty comments which no young person. With this in mind, Rhodes University created the Give 5 campaign to raise funds to help these needy students. This way they can get the toiletries and stationery they need without feeling embarrassed. One student wanted to make a difference to another peer’s life. Eighteen-year-old Naseem Kahn from Pietermaritzburg in KwaZulu Natal, applied for NSFAS funding while applying to Rhodes University. In his first year studying pharmacy, he has pledged R100 a month to help a needy student as well as offering to donate toiletries to the Give 5 campaign. He is not donating to a specific student, but rather to the fund which helps needy students.
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He says his family has always helped others in need and that his mother is extremely proud of him. Even though he is in financial difficulty himself, he knows that there are students who are in tighter positions than him which is why he wanted to help. Vice Chancellor, Dr Sizwe Mabizela stated that he was aware of the pledge and was deeply touched and moved by such an act of generosity by one of our students. He went onto say that “It is this culture of giving freely and generously without any expectation of reward or recognition that we try hard to instil in our students,” Furthermore, Mabizela said that “Naseem is an example of the big hearts that our students and staff have as we work together to affirm and recognise our common humanness.” If an eighteen year old student who is struggling financially himself is able to help, surely we all can? R100 does not go very far these days but it can make a lot of difference to one student’s life. For more information about the Give 5 campaign, contact Terryl McCarthy on t.mccarthy@ru.ac.za.
APR | MAY 2016
AFTER
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HEALTHY
By Felicity Loopstra
Abortions in South Africa were only made legal in 1996 and are governed by the “Choice of Termination Act” (amended 2008). The act stipulates that an abortion can only be performed by a registered professional midwife/nurse up to 12 weeks of pregnancy and after 12 weeks until 20 weeks by a registered doctor approved by the Health Care Professional Council of South Africa.
APR | MAY 2016
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The Act also stipulates that an abortion may only be performed in a clinic accredited by the Department of Health to provide such services. After 20 weeks of pregnancy an abortion can only be performed in a Government hospital and only if the pregnancy proves to be life threatening to the mother or the foetus is seriously malformed.
There are two types of abortion THE ABORTION PILL - from 4 weeks up to 9 weeks of pregnancy This involves 2 different types of pills that are taken within 24 hours of each other and the pills will take a few days to take effect. The effect of the pills is similar to those of a miscarriage and you will feel some discomfort and pain.
Before you undertake either procedure the Act stipulates that you must have a medical examination, disclose your full medical history and receive counselling. If you decide to go for the abortion you will also require a post abortion check- up. How do you know if the clinic is not a back street abortionist? Check the clinic has a landline number and a registered physical address (phone and visit to check) Ask to see the Department of Health registration number for the clinic
MINOR SAME DAY SURGERY – from 9 weeks up to 20 weeks of pregnancy This uses a gentle suction method to remove the contents of your uterus. This procedure becomes more painful the closer you are to your 20 weeks and may require pain killers to reduce the discomfort.
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Check they offer a pre abortion medical, counselling and a post abortion check-up If you are at all unsure about the services offered, walk away and find somewhere else. A “back street” abortion can cost you serious female health issues, infertility and in the worst case scenario death.
APR | MAY 2016
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LET’S TALK ABOUT THE ELEPHANT IN THE ROOM By Felicity Loopstra
APR | MAY 2016
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Abortion has always been a controversial subject and has hit the international media headlines on numerous occasions since the 1960’s. There have been the “Pro Life” campaigns that have occasionally lead to violent protests and attacks on abortion clinics, both in America and Europe. Then there have been the “Freedom of choice movements” that claim that every woman has the right to decide on choices related to her own body.
There are circumstances where an abortion maybe the best and sometimes the only valid solution. Rape is the first one that comes to mind. It is a crime that unfortunately is still on the increase in our country and has no discriminating boundaries.
You can be rich or poor, young or old and of any colour persuasion but the outcome remains the same – you have been physically and mentally violated. If you find yourself pregnant after you have been raped, it is very difficult to bond with a baby conceived under these circumstances.
Both sides of this argument have valid points but what do you do when you find yourself pregnant? If you are in a happy lasting relationship, you and your partner maybe overjoyed at the news and rush out to tell all your family and friends. But often the discovery is not what you wished or planned for. So what do you do now?
The second scenario is when an abortion is recommended on health grounds. These include genetic conditions, mental health issues, women with cancer and a foetus with severe abnormalities. There are cases where both mother and baby have beaten all the odds and have come through the 9 month nail biting ordeal to live a happy life together. However, the risks are sometimes too great and an abortion may be the only sensible solution.
The first thing is not to panic – you have up your 20th week of pregnancy in which to decide what to do. However it is highly recommended that you do not leave it that late.
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The third consideration is economics - can you afford to raise a child? Remember, having a child is like signing a contract for life. A child is not something you can give back later when you discover you cannot afford to cloth it, feed it and educate it for at least the next 18 years. There was a case recently, where a woman tried to sell her 18 month old child on Gumtree for R5000. Her argument was that she could no longer afford to keep the child. The woman and her friend who helped her were both found guilty of child trafficking. Outside influences and pressure from the father of your unborn child and / or your family can put a tremendous strain on you and the decision you ultimately make. Just remember, that it’s you and only you that must live with the final choice. Religion may also play a part in your decision. For example the Catholic Church still considers abortion a “mortal sin”. If you are of a particular faith and your church condemns abortion, you may risk losing the support of your particular ministry.
APR | MAY 2016
What are your alternatives to abortion? If you decide against abortion but for whatever reason feel you cannot raise the baby, then adoption is one of your best alternates. You can put your unborn baby up for adoption through a licensed Adoption Agency or in certain instances can arrange a private adoption. In each instance, there are strict legal practices in place, to protect all parties concerned. There are however, many cases when a woman has given her child up for adoption and at a later stage regretted her decision. Some people spend years trying to find their child they gave away. In other instances the child you put up for adoption may come in search of you. Another alternative is to find a family member to help you raise your baby. This could either be a short term arrangement till you find your feet or a long term plan that will still allow you to be part of your child’s life without the day to day responsibilities.
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ABORTION: LET’s TALK ABOUT THE ELEPHANT IN THE ROOM
- Elizabeth Cady Stanton, GOOD READS
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The third choice is to organise a good support structure that will allow you to raise your child yourself. This was the road I chose and although it was hard emotionally, physically and financially, the rewards by far make up for the problems along the way. Thank you my beautiful and amazing daughter for sharing the journey with me.
For professional advice and counselling: ABORTIONS AND COUNSELLING Marie Stopes Clinics – 14 clinics nationwide www.mariestopes.org.za 08000 11 177 85 RAPE COUNSELLING PEOPLE OPPOSING WOMEN ABUSE also help with abusive relationship counselling www.powa.co.za 083 765 1235 PROFUSION MAGAZINE
APR | MAY 2016
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CREATIVE
PAINTING THE TOWN RED By LISA DEWBErRY
Paint Nite has taken South Africa by storm since launching in Johannesburg in April 2014, following success internationally. During a two-hour painting party at a local restaurant, attendees of this event have fun as they are guided by an experienced artist giving them instructions on producing a professional painting. Salli Van Druten, licensee of Paint Nite for South Africa who is also an artist, says Paint Nite events are held weekly at restaurants in Johannesburg and Bedfordview, and monthly in Benoni, Boksburg, Krugersdorp, Alberton, Pretoria and Cape Town. She says these evenings include a smidgen of creative art instruction, a splash of wine and a whole lot of fun. “We provide all painting supplies including a 16”x20” canvas, acrylic paint, brushes, apron and music for participants of the event so all aspiring artists have to do is arrive at the venue. Paint Nite presents the perfect way to spend a quality evening socialising with friends and learning a new skill,” says the licensee. APR | MAY 2016
“Paint Nite is for everyone and no painting or drawing experience is necessary. You don't have to be Picasso, you just have to be inspired to learn a new activity as our team will turn any beginner artist into an artist within a few hours,” says this artist. If you want to enjoy a relaxing picture perfect night out on the town, pick up your paintbrush and let the night be your canvas, as you learn a new skill while socialising at Paint Nite,” says Van Druten. For more information www.paintnite.com 082 604 5140 PROFUSION MAGAZINE
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LITTLE KNOWN
BIZARRE LAWS fROM By Jeanne du Plessis
APR | MAY 2016
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Nobody wants to end up on the wrong side of the law, and if you’re visiting another country it’s smart to familiarise yourself with the local rules and regulations. We wouldn’t want you to unintentionally break the law by, for example, farting in public after 6pm on a Thursday in Florida (seriously). Here are a few more bizarre laws from around the world that you should know about, just in case you were planning on hosting a donkey in your bathroom. In Oklahoma it is illegal to have a sleeping donkey in your bathtub after 7pm. You should also keep your feelings to yourself if you’re not a dog lover, as you may be fined for pulling a mean face at a dog. Facebook, siblings, movies about time travel and the reincarnation of Tibetan Buddhist monks without government approval are just a few of the things banned in China. Noisy footwear is not allowed in Capri, Italy so leave those flappy flip-flops and wooden clogs at home. Feel like a little horse-riding in Wilbur, Washington? Make sure that your horse is at least reasonably good-looking as riding an ugly horse is forbidden.
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Ladies, if your husband is inattentive and forgetful, perhaps you should move to Samoa where it’s a crime to forget your wife’s birthday. Men are free to cross-dress in Australia, as long as they do not wear strapless gowns in public in Melbourne. In Victoria, everybody is forbidden from wearing pink hot pants after noon on Sunday. In Thailand you may not step on money because this act is considered to be defacing an image of the king, which is prohibited. It is also illegal to leave the house if you’re not wearing underwear. Keep your pets under control in Britain if royalty are in the area. It is not permissible for your mutt to mate with any pets from the royal house. It is also illegal here to die in the House of Parliament (although it’s hard to imagine how they could punish you in this case). In the 1980s the Romanian president, Nicolae Ceausescu, banned the word game Scrabble after deciding the game was not only ‘overly intellectual’ but also a ‘subversive evil’. In North Korea it is a crime to wear jeans as they symbolise the evils of the Western world. However, this is hardly the worst or weirdest thing about the country.
APR | MAY 2016
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SHOULD YOU GET AN
By EUGENE YIGA
APR | MAY 2016
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Once you’re done with university (or ready for a career change), you might start thinking of going to graduate school. But this decision is a lot tougher than many people realise. So, how do you weigh up the pros and cons of an advanced degree?
And this doesn’t even take into account the opportunity cost from potentially having to forgo your salary and work experience in the process.
You aren’t guaranteed a highpaying position when you leave.
Let’s start by looking on the bright side Since most people already have undergraduate degrees (China is churning out several million graduates a year) having an advanced degree might be the only way for a top company to notice you at all.
You might be learning too much out-dated theory.
You get to network with professors and other students who could have a big impact on your career.
- Plato
You can work in academia, a field that is growing in response to the increasing demand for higher education around the world.
To MBA or not to MBA There is no right answer when it comes to making a decision. If you enjoyed your undergraduate work, the challenge to explore your discipline in more depth can be an intellectually rewarding one. Your research in a specialised area might well make a significant contribution to your field!
Now let’s turn our attention to the cold hard facts You can easily pay over $60 000 per year for an MBA and considerably more if you want to go to a top business school. Even part-time or online degrees can be quite expensive.
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But if you are going to graduate school, you must be prepared to deal with a more intense workload and dedicate another two or three years of your life to pursue this. If you have a partner and/or a family, you’ll need to consider their needs too.
Why it’s still possible to get an education on your own Just because you aren’t going to graduate school doesn’t mean the learning has to stop. In fact, you could just as easily teach yourself!
Whatever you do, don’t study because you’re bored and don’t know what you want! Spend time figuring that out first. Then use an advanced degree to open up the door to something new.
Josh Kaufman of The Personal MBA Manifesto suggests you learn as much as you can by reading the best business books, discussing them with other people and applying this knowledge in the real world.
What to plan for if you’re going to graduate school If you’re going to graduate school, you need to start applying to your preferred institutions. When picking a place, the decision is less about the social aspects and more about the education on offer. So research the institution’s reputation to find out what the alumni typically go on to do. You could also do some research into the professors who’ll be teaching you to discover what makes them ideal.
APR | MAY 2016
How to learn for life Having a degree might get you ahead but the only way to stay ahead is to never stop learning. That’s why we should all strive to constantly feed our minds. It’s about developing a passion for lifelong learning. The world is full of new situations and experiences that can change our perspectives and take us outside our comfort zones. You just have to open your eyes and discover how much you might have been missing up to now.
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SHOULD YOU GET AN ADVANCED DEGREE?
- Albert Einstein
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WORLD
By DANIEL ESLICK
Over 11.5 million files have been leaked from the records of Panama-based law firm Mossack Fonseca. The files - now dubbed the “Panama Papers” - reveal damning evidence of world leaders and major companies exploiting the country’s tax regulations. The revelations also point towards the financial dealings of sports stars, billionaires and more.
APR | MAY 2016
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The first major fallout from the leak is Iceland’s Prime Minister Sigmundur Davíð Gunnlaugsson, whose involvement in setting up a company with his wife in the British Virgin Islands was never disclosed to parliament. Following the leak, Gunnlaugsson was forced to step down as Prime Minister of the country.
Panama is a tax-free nation, often referred to as a tax haven. Companies based in Panama are not subject to strict income tax laws. This means that through secretive measures - foreign companies and individuals can effectively stash their earnings in Panama, evading income taxes in their own country. Mossack Fonseca’s clients were aided by the firm’s worldwide services, which are also based in tax havens like Switzerland and the British Virgin Isles.
Edward Snowden - the man responsible for exposing intelligence documents in 2013 - had his say on the leak via Twitter: “With scandals in Russia, China, UK, Iceland, Ukraine, and more, perhaps a new rule: if you’re in charge of a country, keep your money in it.”
The files were initially leaked to German newspaper Süddeutsche Zeitung, who in alliance with the International Consortium of Investigative Journalists, shared the records with a variety of partner publications. Now, millions of files are being sifted through and made public, exposing the crimes to a worldwide audience. By far the largest leak in history, “The Panama Papers” has already taken its toll on certain politicians.
The original source of the leak has yet to be discovered. The “John Doe” responsible has only said that he/ she wants the “crimes” found in the records to be exposed and punished. The true extent of the leak has yet to be revealed, with Süddeutsche Zeitung promising more controversies in the near future.
Evidence from the records points towards key world leaders, including Russian Prime Minister Vladimir Putin, who has been to linked to a scheme worth around $2 billion dollars. He is not alone, with the ever-growing list including British Prime Minister David Cameron, Pakistan’s Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif and South African President Jacob Zuma. The political fallout from these findings has led to many leaders scrambling to explain their involvement in offshore companies. PROFUSION MAGAZINE
APR | MAY 2016
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TEACH TRAVEL A N D EX P E R I E N CE By DANIEL ESLICK
The travelling teacher is becoming a norm throughout the east and south east of Asia, with hundreds of foreign workers descending on the region in search of well-paid and respected work in education.
APR | MAY 2016
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Completing a certificate will help you begin your teaching journey, by introducing innovative teaching practices and helping you develop confidence if you are a first-time teacher. Different from the traditional top-down teaching methods, which we are exposed to at normal schools, language teachers have to find ways to stimulate students through different methods, games and drilling exercises.
A thriving industry, populated by a multi-cultural work-force, the TEFL industry (Teaching English as a Foreign Language) continues to evolve. Thousands of students in Asia require the ability to speak English professionally, with entry level positions in major companies only open to those who can prove their proficiency in the language. Demand is on the increase for certified English teachers who can aid these students in passing critical English exams and boost English speaking confidence. Nations like Taiwan, China, South Korea and Vietnam open new schools and establish programmes on a regular basis, which offer attractive packages for newcomers to the industry.
After completing your certification, you are ready to start choosing where your new home, travel base and place of work will be. There are myriad jobs to choose from online ESL forums, job postings and websites.
As a former TEFL teacher, I can offer a few tips of the trade for prospective teachers, and explore the kind of difficulties you may face when working within a very different culture.
Teaching Hot Spots From Japan to Vietnam, a number of nations are looking for native English speakers to join both public schools and private academies. Teachers have ample choice and can decide which country best suits their needs and personality.
How to get started Native English speakers and University graduates can gain access to the industry by completing a TEFL, CELTA or TESOL certificate. Both online and on-site certificates can be found, with practical experience up for grabs at certain training schools.
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South Korea remains one of the most popular destinations for ESL teachers. The English Program in Korea (EPIK) offers teachers a great introduction into the industry, placing you in a specific public school, a set curriculum and free housing. Cities like Seoul and Busan are highly-developed, have growing expat populations and ample opportunities to travel the country via South Korea’s excellent public transport. Developing nations like China and Vietnam have booming TEFL industries, with growing economies boosting the demand for English teachers at all levels. Many teachers find their ideal jobs by simply arriving in these countries and attending face-to-face interviews with employers. This method is risky, but ultimately proves to be successful due to the high number of jobs on offer. Japan is noted as one of the most difficult nations to teach in due to the stringent work hours and generally low pay. Only experienced, highly qualified teachers are able to find worthwhile positions, but if you are fascinated by Japanese culture, there are opportunities to live, teach and travel around the Land of the Rising Sun. APR | MAY 2016
Pros and Cons Despite the majority of nations offering quality schools with trustworthy management, there are definite pros and cons when teaching in Asia. ESL teachers will be treated with respect. Teaching is a valued profession in the majority of Asian nations, and your position in society will mostly be appreciated by locals. This appreciation translates into a competitive and enticing salary, with certified teachers earning between $1500 to $3000 a month. The attractive salary is often coupled with free housing, paid vacation and free healthcare. While working overseas, many cultural clashes and issues can arise. Asian cultures hold different values and people can be quite judgmental if you show disrespect to their way of doing things. Being far away from your family is another difficult aspect to cope with, which often results in many teachers returning home.
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TEACH, TRAVEL AND EXPERIENCE ASIA
There are many challenges in pursuing such an adventure, but once you have overcome them, the rewards is certainly worth the risks involved.
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Ultimately, teaching ESL is an enriching experience, where teachers are given access to new cultures, increased opportunity to travel a beautiful region and the ability to save money.
- Lao Tzu
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getting what By TARYN HERBST
Money is a tricky issue and something we all hate dealing with. However, without proper financial planning it is easy to get into trouble when emergencies arise. Here are ten tips that will help you get your finances back on track.
Find out why money is important to you. People have different financial needs. If you are working hard because you want to start a family, your goals become more clearly defined. It is also easier to say no to purchases that fall outside of the bigger picture and goal.
APR | MAY 2016
Figure out where you want to go This does not have to be set in stone as most people don’t really know where they want to be in 20 or 30 years. As long as you have an idea of what you want to be doing, it’s fine. Things can always be changed later on.
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Know where you are starting off It might sound easy but it can be tricky. You need to list all of your debts down and you might realse that you are embarrassed by past financial mistakes. It could be in the form of bad investments, failed businesses, or even over spending. The important thing here is to see the past as a learning curve which allows you to move forward.
Paying off debt can be a fantastic investment Calculating the cost of borrowing can be notoriously difficult and you would be surprised how a small purchase can balloon over the years. While others say you should use the money you would have been paying your debt off to invest, getting rid of debt quickly can be a great investment as it frees up cash for later on.
View budgeting as a way of gaining deeper understanding of yourself Think of it as a way to keep track of your spending. A lot of spending decisions are made based on emotions and by keeping track of your spending you will become more aware of how you spend. This will then lead to a change in your spending habits which will help you achieve your financial goals.
Think Like a Professor Diversify your portfolio. Go with index funds or exchange-traded funds that have hundreds of stocks as opposed to one or two stocks. Find a decent financial planner You might think that you can do everything on your own since you are incredibly smart and know how to handle money. However, you don’t pay a financial planner because he or she knows more than you, you pay him or her because he or she is not you. When selecting a financial planner, go for one that is giving you advice, not selling you something.
Save as much as possible – within reason This is far better than giving you a percentage or amount that has to be saved each and every month. If you have a spending problem you could always put in a three day rule. Hold off making the purchase for three days and then if you still want the item, buy it.
Behave Sounds boring but the portfolio you build is a lot less important than whether or not you stick to it. Investing means leaving it to grow. For once in your life, you get rewarded for being lazy so take advantage of the opportunity.
Buy Just Enough Insurance Now People avoid buying life insurance because they think that it is not needed (being all fit and healthy). Work out what the loss will be and the cheapest way to get that life insurance. PROFUSION MAGAZINE
APR | MAY 2016
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By NICOLETTE BOSMAN
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This saying can perhaps be linked to the wise words of Roman Emperor Marcus Aurelius (b. AD 21) who advised his followers to: ‘Give yourself a gift – the present moment.’ So the concept of living in the NOW is certainly not a new one.
APR | MAY 2016
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An extract from the back cover of her book reads: ‘Mulling over the problems of the past or worrying about what might happen in the future causes unnecessary stress and unhappiness, and even fear. Instead, being in the present is all that matters. Eastern and Western philosophy, as well as the works of contemporary thinkers and teachers, is distilled into practical and manageable ways for you to become mindful of the present in order to reduce stress and improve your quality of life.’
The present is what we have right now and in an ideal world, we would enjoy and relish it. However, in our busy world we are so caught up in demands for our attention, such as email, the internet, our cellphones, work demands and our daily schedules, that we are rarely able to just enjoy being in the ‘NOW’. Jill Jacques, a retired English teacher with an MA in English and LifeLine counselling qualifications, has been running Living in the Moment courses for over ten years. In response to repeated requests from her students, she wrote her book Living in the NOW: less stress more happiness. ¹ I was able to attend a workshop in January 2016 and found her teaching and the practical exercises focusing on the present moment, extremely valuable.
In the book Jill draws on the teachings of people such as Eckhart Tolle, Anthony de Mello, Thich Nhat Hanh and many others and the back page contains a useful list of references one can consult to read more about the topic.
We should all be able to relate to the situation of driving somewhere, whether as a passenger or driver, and arriving at our destination with no idea of what we saw as we drove there. Or of being in a meeting and suddenly realising we don’t know what is being discussed. Mindfulness is a technique which assists us to be present in the moment and to experience it fully. No amount of stressing or worrying can change the past or influence the future so it makes sense to focus on the only time we can influence, the present.
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We sometimes feel we are drowning in the stress of things happening around us and a technique recommended is ‘Detachment’. When we are overwhelmed by stress we tend to react emotionally instead of responding appropriately.
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When we practise detaching ourselves from a situation, we gain perspective. As Jill says: ‘Being in the moment empowers you to do your best without unnecessary stress.’ In stressful situations the human body experiences a rush of adrenalin and this elicits a ‘fight or flight’ response. We may then re-live the situation over and over in our minds rather than dropping it or dealing with it effectively. ‘Stress is a preoccupation with emotional upset’ – Dr Derek Roger. Gary Zukov says: ‘The amount of stress in your life is determined by how much energy you spend resisting your life.’ This highlights the importance of accepting what we cannot change. Thus mindfulness can be seen as an effective stress reliever as it enables us to focus on specific issues happening at a specific time rather than allowing ourselves to drown in a sea of circumstances which we cannot control.
APR | MAY 2016
In the field of psychiatry, mindfulnessbased cognitive therapy (MBCT) is being incorporated into the treatment of people with Alzheimer’s and people with addictive and mood disorders and is achieving significant success.² So in essence mindfulness offers techniques to distance ourselves from dwelling in the past or stressing about the future and to rather deal with our present situations – the present, the NOW. Jill’s book is written in an accessible and practical manner and includes exercises which are easy to apply. To obtain a copy of her book or to find out about her courses, contact Jill on: jillmjacques@gmail.com
PROFUSION MAGAZINE
MINDFULNESS
- AUTHOR: Jill JACQUES
PROFUSION MAGAZINE
APR | MAY 2016
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