I'm thrilled to share an enlightening conversation I recently had as a guest on the Thriving Minds Podcast, hosted by the remarkable Professor Selena Bartlett from the Queensland University of Technology, a distinguished Neuroscientist. In this episode, we delve deep into the profound impact of storytelling and the intricate journey of life.
The Thriving Minds Podcast serves as a platform dedicated to exploring cutting-edge brain science and digital technology, meticulously curated and led by the astute Prof Bartlett and her expert team. Their mission is to inspire a cultural shift, where mental fitness is not just valued but placed on equal footing with physical health.
While I wholeheartedly recommend Episode #119, where the conversation revolves around the revolutionary HEERO™ practice from Canada, recognizing the paramount importance of relationships in overall health and wellbeing, I'm here to provide insights from my conversation with Prof Bartlett.
Our discussion commences with a deep dive into Talking Stories, where I seize the opportunity to share the motivations behind this venture. However, this episode transcends the boundaries of Talking Stories. We journey through my past journalism endeavors, particularly spotlighting my multimedia documentary project on grief, named My Little Sunshine , and my collaboration with the Queensland University of Technology on The First 100 Days of Voluntary Assisted Dying (VAD) at Metro North.
My Little Sunshine Stories emerges as a poignant but gentle multimedia project, thoughtfully exploring the intricate facets of grief, with a particular focus on palliative care for children in Queensland, Australia. This project takes the form of a virtual exhibition, showcasing the stories of numerous families through audio narratives, videos, and a beautiful 52-minute audio documentary.
Within this comprehensive collection of narratives, we delve into the world of families and healthcare professionals who provide unwavering care to children with life-limiting conditions. I had the privilege of embedding myself with Hummingbird House for nearly five years to craft this project. It's an effort to illuminate the character of grief and its intricate relationship with love.
Our conversation then ventures into my documentation of the first 100 Days of voluntary assisted dying (VAD) at Metro North in Brisbane. The culmination of this project resulted in an exhibition featuring stories shared through photographs and audio, offering a unique perspective from patients, families, and healthcare staff. The intent behind this exhibition was to normalize conversations surrounding death, dying, and grief, providing a space for dialogue and reflection about Voluntary Assisted Dying (VAD), which became available to eligible Queenslanders on January 1st, 2023.
Voluntary Assisted Dying (VAD) has been a topic of significant debate in Queensland, with unique eligibility terms compared to other Australian states. In the first six months of its implementation, 591 people applied for VAD, and 245 underwent the procedure, averaging more than one person per day choosing VAD. To qualify for VAD in Queensland, individuals must have a diagnosis of an advanced, progressive disease, illness, or medical condition causing "intolerable" suffering and be expected to die within 12 months, unlike most other states, where the requirement is six months. The application process entails making three separate requests and assessments by different practitioners.
It's essential to acknowledge that Voluntary Assisted Dying remains a contentious issue in Queensland, accompanied by challenges such as the misuse of VAD medication and restrictions on electronic communication of VAD-related material. Nevertheless, feedback on VAD in Queensland has been overwhelmingly positive. Efforts are actively underway to address these issues, including recommendations to change the law to allow VAD provisions via carriage services and considerations regarding the return of unused VAD medications.
Returning to the heart of the Thriving Minds Podcast episode, our conversation orbits around the profound idea that life is not merely a sequence of accumulating experiences and possessions. Rather, the essence of this journey lies in the act of unpacking. This concept serves as the crux of our profound dialogue.
Professor Selena Bartlett, a trailblazer in the fields of brain science and digital technology, leads our exploration. Her adept guidance amplifies the discussion's depth, highlighting storytelling's profound impact on our lives.
Together, we embark on a journey of unraveling the layers of life and storytelling. We discuss how the process of unpacking our experiences can lead to a life of greater meaning. It's more than just storytelling; it's a method to leave behind a legacy of wisdom and insight, rather than a closet full of unneeded baggage.
Life is often described as a sequence of events, but I contend that it's an uncertain and ever-evolving journey through complexities. Embracing this uncertainty can lead to profound personal growth, resilience, and empathy. The unpredictable sequences of life offer countless opportunities for transformation, allowing us to redefine success, values, and aspirations.
As you navigate your own intricate and unpredictable journey through life, Professor Selena Bartlett and I encourage you to embrace the complexity, find beauty in the chaos, and seek understanding within the enigma. Often, it's within the labyrinthine corridors of uncertainty that we uncover the most profound answers.
Don't miss this episode; it promises a journey of its own. 🎧 Tune in to the Thriving Minds Podcast and embark on a mental and emotional expedition that helps us understand the value of unpacking our lives to discover what truly matters.
Listen here: https://thrivingminds.buzzsprout.com/367319/13662449
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