Aims/goals/ojectives
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John Cox
Jan 28, 2010, 7:50:24 AM1/28/10
to Friends of Thamkrabok Monastery
This might sound strange, but I got to thinking about the group and why we all write on here. What are we trying to achive, who are we trying to help. This is a fairly rhetorical question as I have an idea but I think it's worth ojectifying if only for the sake of new comers. Maybe also for regulars, it's easy to loose track of yourself, I know I do.
My understanding is that we're something along the lines of Thamkrabok flavoured NA, online. Lol I'm not sure that would work as a marketing tagline but you get my point.
Self help, social and collective responsabilty, sharing thoughts and ideas, venting, swapping experiences and being there for those have it the bottom and are yet to bounce back up. Also giving people a good illustration of what to expect, telling them their not alone and that there is light at the end of the tunnel.
That's my thoughts, I guess Vince would know his orginal reasons, and if have they evolved???
Cheers,
Coxy
Sent from my iPod
Audrey Delaney
Jan 29, 2010, 12:01:17 PM1/29/10
to friends-of-tham...@googlegroups.com
Yes that's my thoughts to. Assure people with their fear of a journey to the
unknown.
unknown.
Though I think its great for those who also have been there and come back
because the loneliness and feeling that no one knows what its like and what
you have been through is over whelming. One needs a place to talk to to
those who Know.
Audrey
Cheers,
Coxy
Sent from my iPod
--
The OFFICIAL Thamkrabok Monastery website is
http://www.thamkrabok-monastery.org
INDEPENDENT information can be found at http://www.thamkrabok.net
To post to this group, send email to
Friends-of-Tham...@googlegroups.com
To unsubscribe from this group, send email to
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For more options, visit this group at
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Reme
Jan 30, 2010, 3:45:51 AM1/30/10
to friends-of-tham...@googlegroups.com
Are you at the monastery?
Sent from my iPhone
On Jan 29, 2010, at 8:01 AM, "Audrey Delaney"
John Cox
Jan 30, 2010, 6:27:49 AM1/30/10
to friends-of-tham...@googlegroups.com
Hey Reme,
There are people who come on here who are, but most of us are expatients.
Coxy
There are people who come on here who are, but most of us are expatients.
Coxy
From: Reme <re...@clearwire.net>
To: "friends-of-tham...@googlegroups.com" <friends-of-tham...@googlegroups.com>
Sent: Sat, 30 January, 2010 19:45:51
Subject: Re: [FOTM:2625] Aims/goals/ojectives
> --The OFFICIAL Thamkrabok Monastery website is
> http://www.thamkrabok-monastery.org
> INDEPENDENT information can be found at http://www.thamkrabok.net
> To post to this group, send email to
> Friends-of-Tham...@googlegroups.com
> To unsubscribe from this group, send email to
> Friends-of-Thamkrabok...@googlegroups.com
> For more options, visit this group at
> http://groups.google.com/group/Friends-of-Thamkrabok-Monastery
>
>
> --The OFFICIAL Thamkrabok Monastery website is http://www.thamkrabok-monastery.org
> INDEPENDENT information can be found at http://www.thamkrabok.net
> To post to this group, send email to Friends-of-Tham...@googlegroups.com
> To unsubscribe from this group, send email to Friends-of-Thamkrabok...@googlegroups.com
> For more options, visit this group at http://groups.google.com/group/Friends-of-Thamkrabok-Monastery
--The OFFICIAL Thamkrabok Monastery website is http://www.thamkrabok-monastery..org
Reme
Jan 30, 2010, 1:45:56 PM1/30/10
to friends-of-tham...@googlegroups.com
Oh
My son just checked in a couple days ago
I am very far away and I am concern and curious about the program
Does it work? Would he be ok ? He is very young and I am so far ....
Sent from my iPhone
--
Anne Hurl
Jan 30, 2010, 4:12:30 PM1/30/10
to friends-of-tham...@googlegroups.com
HI
I'm just back from Thamkrabok monastery.........well 2 weeks and in all had a very good experience.
To the guy who's son is out there. I wouldn't worry about him. He will be fine and there is plenty of people to look after him. he will experience his own journey and like us all no-one can do it for us.............. we have to do this for ourselves. As long as he has the will to want to change it will be fine.
A
From: re...@clearwire.net
To: friends-of-tham...@googlegroups.com
Subject: Re: [FOTM:2627] Aims/goals/ojectives
Date: Sat, 30 Jan 2010 09:45:56 -0900
I'm just back from Thamkrabok monastery.........well 2 weeks and in all had a very good experience.
To the guy who's son is out there. I wouldn't worry about him. He will be fine and there is plenty of people to look after him. he will experience his own journey and like us all no-one can do it for us.............. we have to do this for ourselves. As long as he has the will to want to change it will be fine.
A
From: re...@clearwire.net
To: friends-of-tham...@googlegroups.com
Subject: Re: [FOTM:2627] Aims/goals/ojectives
Date: Sat, 30 Jan 2010 09:45:56 -0900
John Cox
Jan 30, 2010, 4:45:28 PM1/30/10
to friends-of-tham...@googlegroups.com
Hi Anna,
How was your time there, if it was anything like my experience then you'll have had a hard time but will have come a long way.. Well done on heading out there, its not an easy option but its well worth the hardship.
One thing I'd say to both Anna and Reme is that the hard work really starts when you leave. The thing about Tham krabok is that your protected from the world outside, theres no dealers or pubs and aside from the superficial discomfort your surrounded by people who have your best interests at heart...no so with the world at large. There will be all the same pushes and pulls that lead the addict to Thamkrabok as there were before, this is why you learn that only you can change, because the rest of the world wont.
This forum is a great resource, everyone on here has walk the path and knows the struggle well. There are a good mix of people from all over the world, men, women, rich, poor, some young and some old, the one thing with addiction is that its very democratic.
I'm in Australia but am actually English, I came here from Thamkrabok instead of going home to London 2 years ago because I felt it was safer for me here. It turned out to be a good move, I'm not sure how things might have gone if I was back home. I get married in May and am heading back there for my honeymoon, I feel ready to now plus its only a flying visit.
Anyway, Reme you son will be fine while his in there, as I say its when he leaves that the real work begging.
Anna, good luck and stay in touch. Unfortunately your not alone, everyone on here will be more than willing to lend a friend ear and will always help in anyway they can..myself included.
All the best,
John
How was your time there, if it was anything like my experience then you'll have had a hard time but will have come a long way.. Well done on heading out there, its not an easy option but its well worth the hardship.
One thing I'd say to both Anna and Reme is that the hard work really starts when you leave. The thing about Tham krabok is that your protected from the world outside, theres no dealers or pubs and aside from the superficial discomfort your surrounded by people who have your best interests at heart...no so with the world at large. There will be all the same pushes and pulls that lead the addict to Thamkrabok as there were before, this is why you learn that only you can change, because the rest of the world wont.
This forum is a great resource, everyone on here has walk the path and knows the struggle well. There are a good mix of people from all over the world, men, women, rich, poor, some young and some old, the one thing with addiction is that its very democratic.
I'm in Australia but am actually English, I came here from Thamkrabok instead of going home to London 2 years ago because I felt it was safer for me here. It turned out to be a good move, I'm not sure how things might have gone if I was back home. I get married in May and am heading back there for my honeymoon, I feel ready to now plus its only a flying visit.
Anyway, Reme you son will be fine while his in there, as I say its when he leaves that the real work begging.
Anna, good luck and stay in touch. Unfortunately your not alone, everyone on here will be more than willing to lend a friend ear and will always help in anyway they can..myself included.
All the best,
John
From: Anne Hurl <anne...@hotmail.com>
To: friends-of-tham...@googlegroups.com
Sent: Sun, 31 January, 2010 8:12:30
Subject: RE: [FOTM:2628] Aims/goals/ojectives
HI
I'm just back from Thamkrabok monastery.........well 2 weeks and in all had a very good experience.
To the guy who's son is out there. I wouldn't worry about him. He will be fine and there is plenty of people to look after him. he will experience his own journey and like us all no-one can do it for us............... we have to do this for ourselves. As long as he has the will to want to change it will be fine.
Remedy Accounting Services, LLC
Jan 30, 2010, 4:57:06 PM1/30/10
to friends-of-tham...@googlegroups.com
Anne,
Was two weeks plenty of time? My son is suppose to be
there 30 days.... he wants to change, as you know the lifestyle that put you and
him there is hell. He is a weak individual and he will need a strong support,
during and after the time in the monastery. I will wait to hear from
him hopefully after the five days of detox. His father can go
an visit I understand, he lives in Bangkok...I am in the USA...
Be strong in your recovery and take one day at the
time... thanks for sharing your experience and be
well.
Reme
----- Original Message -----From: Anne HurlSent: Saturday, January 30, 2010 12:12 PMSubject: RE: [FOTM:2628] Aims/goals/ojectives
Remedy Accounting Services, LLC
Jan 30, 2010, 5:23:43 PM1/30/10
to friends-of-tham...@googlegroups.com
John,
I cant really express my gratitude to you in
words... thank you so much for sharing your experience. I find hope and peace in
your message to us. I know that the works begins when you get out, that will be
the big test. It sounds that you did overcome and win the battle, I am so proud
of you and all the ones out there that fight it and won. I want my son to do the
same. The plan is that he will stay in Bangkok after the 30 days in the
monastery and go to school. I will tell him about the blog I think he can
benefit from talking to others about his own experience. I will sit patiently at
home in the USA, sending him positive energy and supporting him the best I
can...
Congratulations on your wedding.
Anna, stay strong and lets keep in contact... You
are in the road of a better life... Have confidence and trust on
yourself.
Be well,
Reme
----- Original Message -----From: John Cox
Jimmy
Jan 30, 2010, 4:20:04 PM1/30/10
to friends-of-tham...@googlegroups.com
Very good.
The opposite to the depression is expression...
Hope all is well who is on the site,and other people is going through a
difficult time alcoholics drug addicts and all other people.No breeath no
life....
Jimmy.
The opposite to the depression is expression...
Hope all is well who is on the site,and other people is going through a
difficult time alcoholics drug addicts and all other people.No breeath no
life....
Jimmy.
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Audrey Delaney
Feb 1, 2010, 7:23:45 AM2/1/10
to friends-of-tham...@googlegroups.com
I WOULD JUST LIKE TO WISH BRIAN HAFFENDEN A HUGE HAPPY BIRTHDAY AND FROM
MYSELF AND MANY OTHERS A THANK YOU FOR ALL YOUR SUPPORT AND WISE WORDS ..
MYSELF AND MANY OTHERS A THANK YOU FOR ALL YOUR SUPPORT AND WISE WORDS ..
THE ONE THING YOU WILL BE GUARANTEED TO GET ON YOUR BIRTHDAY BRIAN IS A YEAR
OLDER.
LOVE YOU
AUDREY XX
-----Original Message-----
From: friends-of-tham...@googlegroups.com
[mailto:friends-of-tham...@googlegroups.com] On Behalf Of Jimmy
Sent: 30 January 2010 21:20
To: friends-of-tham...@googlegroups.com
Vince Cullen
Feb 1, 2010, 12:03:33 PM2/1/10
to friends-of-tham...@googlegroups.com
Yes, Brian... many Happy Returns.
I hope you have a great Birthday!!!!
Best wishes to all.
Regards,
Vince
__________________________________
339
When the streams
of sensual pleasure run strong
they can generate
a torrent of longing.
__________________________________
A DHAMMAPADA for CONTEMPLATION
http://aruno.org//index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=241&Itemid=80
339
When the streams
of sensual pleasure run strong
they can generate
a torrent of longing.
__________________________________
A DHAMMAPADA for CONTEMPLATION
http://aruno.org//index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=241&Itemid=80
Vince Cullen
Feb 4, 2010, 3:47:36 PM2/4/10
to friends-of-tham...@googlegroups.com
Hi John and All,
A timely question... what is it all about?
The original forum was a very basic affair set up in 2003 on www.thamkrabok.net which then moved to the current Google Group format in 2005.
The original intention was as a support group for ex-Thamkrabokers... for the people who had already made that unique journey to central Thailand but were now isolated in various locations around the globe.
It quickly became apparent that this group of people could offer some no-holds barred, honest and 'real' advice to anybody thinking of making that same journey.
As you say John, it then moved on a bit...
...and that is just fine. If anyone has any ideas or thoughts for improvement they would be most welcome.
On a similar note, I wonder if I could ask for a couple of volunteers to help moderate the messages that are sent to this group? It not an onerous task as it is usually just a couple of spam messages every now and then that need to be blocked, or real messages from new members that need to be posted.
However, just lately there have been some genuine messages getting delayed awaiting moderation from both old and new members, as Audrey and MFK have probably noticed recently. I think this is just a temporary glitch with Google Groups but it is frustrating for the member that posts his/her message then doesn't see it appear because it's in a queue awaiting moderation. It might then be a day or two before I realise there's a message requiring moderation. So if we have a few more moderators in different locations and different time-zones it would ease the situation?
On a final note, I am being seriously challenged at present with some long-running employment issues that don't seem to be getting resolved. This is taking up a lot of my time and energy so I haven't been posting as regularly as before... but I am still reading everything so keep 'em coming.
I derive as much support from this online Sangha as anyone else, so my sincere personal thanks go to everyone who contributes... it really is appreciated.
Don't forget the Dharma & Recovery Retreat in May, there are still a couple of places left before it is opened up to 'the public'.
Be well and kind regards to all.
With Metta,
Vince
__________________________________
342
Trapped in habits of craving
people panic
like rabbits caught in the snare.
Their reactions reinforce the pain
of their entrapment.
A timely question... what is it all about?
The original forum was a very basic affair set up in 2003 on www.thamkrabok.net which then moved to the current Google Group format in 2005.
The original intention was as a support group for ex-Thamkrabokers... for the people who had already made that unique journey to central Thailand but were now isolated in various locations around the globe.
It quickly became apparent that this group of people could offer some no-holds barred, honest and 'real' advice to anybody thinking of making that same journey.
As you say John, it then moved on a bit...
Self help, social and collective responsibility, sharing thoughts and ideas, venting, swapping experiences and being there for those have it the bottom and are yet to bounce back up. Also giving people a good illustration of what to expect, telling them their not alone and that there is light at the end of the tunnel.
...and that is just fine. If anyone has any ideas or thoughts for improvement they would be most welcome.
On a similar note, I wonder if I could ask for a couple of volunteers to help moderate the messages that are sent to this group? It not an onerous task as it is usually just a couple of spam messages every now and then that need to be blocked, or real messages from new members that need to be posted.
However, just lately there have been some genuine messages getting delayed awaiting moderation from both old and new members, as Audrey and MFK have probably noticed recently. I think this is just a temporary glitch with Google Groups but it is frustrating for the member that posts his/her message then doesn't see it appear because it's in a queue awaiting moderation. It might then be a day or two before I realise there's a message requiring moderation. So if we have a few more moderators in different locations and different time-zones it would ease the situation?
On a final note, I am being seriously challenged at present with some long-running employment issues that don't seem to be getting resolved. This is taking up a lot of my time and energy so I haven't been posting as regularly as before... but I am still reading everything so keep 'em coming.
I derive as much support from this online Sangha as anyone else, so my sincere personal thanks go to everyone who contributes... it really is appreciated.
Don't forget the Dharma & Recovery Retreat in May, there are still a couple of places left before it is opened up to 'the public'.
Be well and kind regards to all.
With Metta,
Vince
__________________________________
342
Trapped in habits of craving
people panic
like rabbits caught in the snare.
Their reactions reinforce the pain
of their entrapment.
John Cox
Feb 4, 2010, 4:08:17 PM2/4/10
to friends-of-tham...@googlegroups.com
I'm happy to help mate, i often catch stuff firth coz the time differnce, just let me know what it evnvolves
Coxy
Coxy
From: Vince Cullen <vince....@gmail.com>
To: friends-of-tham...@googlegroups.com
Sent: Fri, 5 February, 2010 7:47:36
Subject: Re: [FOTM:2646] Aims/goals/ojectives
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