How to Chair Meetings

The role of the Chair is to ensure the agenda for constructive plans are discussed and carried out and also to ensure the accurate recording of the meeting. Any correspondence is given at the start of the meeting. If there is too much on the agenda, the Chair decides what are the most important matters to discuss. The Chair also decides the limits of the discussion, and returns the meeting to the topic whenever someone strays. She/he insists only one person speaks at a time, and that everyone understands what is being said and why. Matters adjourned from previous meetings are dealt with. The Chair identifies problems, supports an exchange of ideas, evaluates alternatives, and selects a course of action usually by consensus, majority vote, by unanimity, or by the Chair’s decision. Who? When? Where? How? Questions are asked. The minutes of the meeting must be typed as soon as possible after the meeting and the Chair must check they are correct and make sure they are circulated to all members. The Chair makes essential and emergency decisions between committee meetings and helps workers deal with difficult situations. The Chair must check themselves for personal bias at all times and act as spokesperson for the committee, not themselves. Usually the Chair is elected in some democratic way at an annual general meeting usually for a fixed period, such as 3 or 5 years.

It is the role of all other positions within the group to see that the Chair does their role properly. 

Healing

Healing is the art of transference of power. It is extremely ancient, and existed in all ancient cultures and societies. The healer is a person who links to this power through a variety of means, sometimes through touch, sometimes through the mind alone. Animals and children and those who are in a coma can receive healing and anyone, even non believers can receive it. During the healing time, you might feel something, or you might not. If your don't feel anything it does not mean that the healing hasn't worked. The experience is usually relaxing and requires nothing of you. You could even be elsewhere or might not even know that healing is being sent to you. Sometimes, only one session is required, sometimes many sessions. No one can guarantee that healing works, or how it might work. Often results are not what are expected. Healing is not an 'instead of' treatment your doctor will provide, but a 'complimentary' treatment which is in addition to your doctor's advice and recommendations. Many healers do not charge money for their healing expertise and time. You can discontinue your healing sessions whenever you wish. Many healers are trained and registered and abide by particular conditions and codes of conduct.

 One of the best books on the subject of healing is ‘Healing Into Life and Death’ by Stephen Levine. Stephen has many years of experience working with people with many types of illness. He is a counsellor and meditation teacher, and has worked extensively with terminally ill patients in the Hanuman Foundation Dying Project where he is a director, and has also worked with prominent specialists, such as Elizabeth Kubler-Ross.  

Questions and Answers from postbag

Dear Wendy: Where is Troyes and is it important historically? Micky Mac

Dear Mickey: Troyes in Champagne region of France, is a city built on a very early Christian martyr holy site. It is at a strategic cross roads, and was known for sheep rearing and for its early goods fair. Bernard of Clairvaux was from this region which was a hot spot of culture, chivalry and Knights Templar activity. The Count of Champagne asked the Tironesian builders to found a school of architecture in Chartres. The St Clair family originated in Champagne region, and the Tironesians had a connection to Scotland and Rosslyn Chapel. 

Dear Wendy: Can ghosts be stopped from haunting? If so, how can this be done? Kat Bishop Adel, West Yorkshire

2022 Year of the Water Tiger

1st February 2022 New Year’s Day

 2022 is the year of the Tiger. The colour for this year is orange.

Chinese Astrology

China was one of the earliest civilisations with many quality items, such as silks and fine pottery, traded via the 4,000 miles of the ‘silk route’. Chinese astrology was first recorded in writing about 2,500 years ago and would have been taught in the caravans and camel trains across Asia to Eastern Europe. Like many astrology signs, there are 12 annual Chinese constellations. They are all animals. There is a traditional story that the Jade Emperor called for all the animals of the country and told them they must race each other to the Heavenly Gate in the sky. Rat awoke very early and on his way, he encountered a swift flowing river. Then he noticed Ox about to cross and so he jumped into Ox's back. The lumbering Ox crossed the river easily and so Rat jumped off and won the race because he was cunning. Ox was second because of his diligence. Tiger came third, then Rabbit. Both are fast and competitive, but Tiger was a better swimmer. Rabbit got across by hopping on stepping stones and a floating log. The stunning Dragon was fifth and was immediately noticed by the Jade Emperor, who wanted Dragon's son to be sixth. But Dragon's son wasn't there that day and Snake heard this and said Dragon was his adoptive father; so Snake ranked sixth. Horse and Goat then arrived because they were kind and each let the other go first. The Jade Emperor saw how polite Horse and Goat were and ranked them seventh and eighth. Monkey had fallen behind but he jumped between trees and stones, and came in ninth. Last were Rooster, Dog, and Pig. Finally, all twelve arrived to become esteemed guards of the Heavenly Gate. Each year is devoted to the twelve in this order. Added to these annual animal constellations are the yin and yang polarities and five elements of metal, water, wood, fire and earth.