In our sixth episode, Sunny and Ujjwal sit down with Stefano Gunawan, to talk mindfulness, movement and everything in between. Stefano has an incredible philosophy on life, and describes the moment he decided to live a life in line with his values. One not to be missed!
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We thought we’d change it up, and have a little introduction from the incredible soul himself:
'Hey everyone! My name’s Stefano and it’s a pleasure to have your ears for the next hour as I share my story and mental health journey (to freedom!)
I’m an Indonesian-Chinese blood born in Perth and I moved over to Melbourne as an 11y.o. for the beginning of high school. Having gone through some tumultuous adolescent years (didn’t we all?!) I landed at the University of Melbourne in a Commerce degree. 4-years and a whole bunch of life-changing events later, I decided to quit that degree (with a mere subject to go! Insane, right?... naaaahh) and move on with my life.
Releasing myself from the shackles of familial and societal expectations, I started to take the idea of rebellion very seriously. As Camus once said, “The only way to deal with an unfree world is to become so absolutely free that your very existence is an act of rebellion.” Amen!
The main trigger for my radical change was a reality-bending 10-day silent meditation retreat (the second one, actually. I’ve been on four of them now), where I faced the demons of my depression and burnout. On the back of this ordeal, I committed wholehearted-and-soulfully to follow my muse whatever the cost to others might be, and I haven’t looked back since.
Concretely, what does that actually mean?
Well, these days my time consists of studying a Psychotherapy degree (which, importantly, I chose of my own accord; no parental influence!); writing and sharing my thoughts through my blog (eclecticchild.com) and Instagram (@stefanoryangunawan); dancing wildly (yes, even in lockdown); yoga-ing and meditating daily (hopefully to be a teacher of both in two years time); cohabitating with hippies in Brunswick (plus a CUTE ass puppy named Enoki); and generally just trying to live my life as best as I can.
Oh, and MOST importantly, I’m also co-running a Men’s Circle! The gentlemen from BottledUp are a part of it too, and we’re hoping to grow the family in the future. We meet every 2nd Sunday via Zoom (and once lockdown is over, in person) at 2pm.
If you haven’t already received or seen the open invitation from the Bottled Up guys, then consider this a personal invitation from yours truly: We are open and would love to have you join us at the next one! Come along with an open heart, a truthful tongue and attentive ears. It would be an honour to connect with you!'
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~ Stefano ~
Instagram: @stefanoryangunawan
Free Will piece: http://eclecticchild.com/2018/04/02/there-is-no-free-will/
Giving and Happiness piece: http://eclecticchild.com/2019/05/12/a-radical-idea-for-doing-good-better-giving-and-happiness/
10-Day Meditation Retreats: https://www.dhamma.org/en/index
Tony Robbins’ 6 Core Human Needs: https://www.habitsforwellbeing.com/6-core-human-needs-by-anthony-robbins/
Blue Zones — Socialising for Longevity: http://bluezones.com
~ Bottled Up ~
Bottled Up Instagram: @bottledupaus
Bottled Up Website: www.bottledup.life
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As always, Bottled Up is a passion project to help provide a voice to those many men who are going through the peaks and troughs of life. We are not trained professionals and if you're worried about someone close to you and their mental wellbeing, it's important to get professional advice.
Start a conversation with them and let them know that they're not alone and that there are many support resources out there - including friends, family, school chaplains and plenty more!
If you're feeling distressed or overwhelmed, Beyond Blue has a number of trained mental health professionals available 24/7 on 1800 512 348.
For immediate support, call Lifeline on 13 11 44 and in an emergency, always dial 000.
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Music: https://www.purple-planet.com
