Manager's Blog
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Our Fit For Life activities allows guests to get the most of outdoor action (and the Sunshine Coast weather) by hiking through the Noosa National Park and outrigging at the Sunshine Coast.
As for the relaxing side of life, guests are enjoying our essential oils nights. They have been sampling many aromatic essential oils, learning their benefits and how to best utilise them. It has been a therapeutic and relaxing experience.
Friday nights are reserved for our themed gala dinners. Our themes have taken us around the world, from Asia, to Greece, to Italy, to Spain. The healthy, flavoursome food, decorated venue and entertainment seem to transport guests to a new country and create an enjoyable cultural and social event.
Action and relaxation are tying in well together here at Fountainhead, and have helped make this week an enjoyable and fulfilling one!
September 2nd
It has been a busy week, we started the new Palladium product with James. Palladium is a product where the clients need full attention and everybody is working around them, one on one. Palladium is for a client who doesn't want to be disturbed by other guests. We found some lovely houses for this purpuse with Glasshoues Mt views. We get fantastic results with guests who suffer from depression, and alcohol addictions. Even though these are tough issues, we make great progress, because ours and client's focussed attention brings tremendous results.
We also found houses to expand the Fountainhead Retreat.
A client from up north just sent his 5th referral client – all are dealing with depression or stress related illnesses. All five of guests have marked the fountainhead experience as 9 out of ten, which gives also us great satisfaction in what we do.
Staffing: Greg Doney rejoined us in the customer service team, he comes back as the team leader. Plans are to let him open up our Melbourne branch after Christmas. Greg has a naturopath background, he is very good with stress related illnesses, and he's done the Fountainhead Method Life Coaching course.
Me personally: I've never been busier, we are having a lot of fun, the satisfaction levels are through the roof and retreat manager Carol is doing a fantastic job.
The original interview can be downloaded as an mp3 here:
Interview Wayne, 2. Sept. 2009
Most people whom pick a health retreat for their holiday have something on their mind. They may tell you it is to lose 3kg, or start a new fitness program but it is the mindset behind this decision that they are really struggling with, not the specific goal that they share with you.
A change meeting with a client yesterday reminded me of all this. Her name was Sally; she was a very fit and gorgeous “about 30” year old whom had come, “to lose 3kg”.
At Fountainhead Organic Retreat our approach is very different. Eight years ago in our inaugural week we had 8 guests join us. They all had stated goals of weight loss, exercise, reduce alcohol - the normal stuff. By the end of their average two weeks stay, 7 of the 8 had shared with me that they were really dealing with some level of anxiety, depression or self esteem issue.
The following month I started our now world famous Beat the Blues program for stress management, covering such issues as highlighted by my first group. We have since coached over three thousand clients very successfully for these stress related issues.
Our goals are very clear. We wish our clients to gain a much better understanding of stress and we show them how they can learn to look at their life very differently then they currently are. Rather than see things not going to plan as a negative event, we teach them to look for the lessons in every event however it may appear.
So though Sally arrived with the goal of 3kg weight loss this is what she said to me yesterday. “I feel great. I really like myself more and I have not even weighed myself.”
We are funny creatures and I learn a little more every day.
Fountainhead quiet, (very unusual) mainly due to lacking experienced staff to handel guest enquiries - still loads of inbounds) leaders all doing big days. Only seeing Minnie on short weeks. Just made a few more key staff "partners" to help teach them understand what we do as a business and to share more responsability.
Training and nutrition now into month four, all going well. Longest period of good habits since my youth.
Late Feb
Launched Australian Depression Institute on the coast last week. Had a great group show up, (about 150 over two nights). Trying to make the weekend Intensives and group therapy solution more assessable. Re invented what we do in the Beat The Blues program with no catreing and no accommodation. Keeps price right down, ($495 and $1950). Goal is to fix more people, more quickly and roll it all national next twelve months. Business is holding good and steady though newspapers would tell you different.
Exercise program now heading into month three and I would like to be optimistic and think I have changed my life style. Consuming 2100 calories daily and exercising about 500 calories worth. Steadily losing weight, Very happy with new priority shift, but alas, a long way to go.
Had longest holiday in my life. Michelle and I slept about 12 housr ofe ach day as we cruised around the pacific, (I normally sleep 4 hours). James has all under control at Fountainhead and now working on launch of ADI. Exercising 6 days a week and eating well. Have tried gastic banding for weight issue but so far does not work, (no reduction in hunger).
Late September
well talk about life not going to plan. Did a knee cartlige, and shoulder injury. Who would have thought I could overtrain. Really took the wind out of my sails. Have not exercised for six weeks and day I made a comeback threw my back out. All on top of the flu that we all got. Ahh the ravages of age.
Fountainhead had two comparatively quiet months but still more than 100% up on last year. Australian Depression Institure had its first weeekend. Salaima and Shelly did a great job. Many happy clients.
Working on next three year expansion and business plan. Has been a very busy desk bound period.
Neglected relationships and father hood a bit. Will re prioritise again.
Late August
Thought I would share a letter to a client asking for help with a weight issue,
(or ":what does fat guy know about weight loss")
Hi Mike,
Greg Doney at Fountainhead organic suggested I make contact with you. The photo attached is me with my daughter last year. I have had a weight issue all of my adult life. I have tried many different programs and systems and am still trying.
Four months ago I commenced a new program that included a 21 day detox, then 70 days of training at least 6 hours weekly All combined with a low junk food high in natural food diet. I was enthusiastic. I really enjoyed it. I did not weigh myself once.
After 3 months on the program I injured a knee cartilage and have since stopped most of the program I was attempting. I then did weigh myself. I had lost only 1kg. I felt very bad for about a week. Very flat indeed. Then my philosophy kicked in. I decided to look for the lessons.
- I did gain muscle mass and
2. my body changed shape,
3. (my lady certainly noticed),
4. My chronically bad back had made a great improvement. Normally when I have it go out it puts me in bed for two weeks
Next time it went out, it only troubled me for 3 days.
5. I had a better understanding of me. I will plan a better, (higher reps, lower weights, less impact events) next time
Then I concluded my life lessons:
1. It is all a journey of discovery
2. I liked myself even more for having a go
3. I still believe I am gorgeous
4. By my accepting the lessons and not focusing on the setback I show others that it is ok to have a go and look for the lessons as the real priority.
PS I wish I could get the 21 year old I am coaching at the moment to see that.
I could look longer and find even more.
Mid July 2008
Exercise patterns continue as being part of life and train every day unless exhausted. About to incorporate lots of new food ideas I have learn last few months into FH menu. More, smaller meals mainly. Our new Life Coaching arm is seeing lots of action as the word spreads of its effectiveness with Clinical Depression.
Off to Victoria next week and another Full Hopuse for Greg from today, (Friday).
Mid June 2008
Exercise patterns now becoming regular. Seem to have created a pattern to exercise rather than not to. Only weaker time of eating pattern is after 6pm and before 830pm. Will attempt tougher rules here.
Still unable to move physiology goals higher than work goals. Currently writing business case for National rollout of Depression Institute. Just hired another six people for Fountainhead's increased growth. Two great interns.
Having a ball. Also Minnie's birthday week.
May 2008, Friday 16th
Heading to Syndey tonight, a little "Shelly" sick.
Be there 1030am tomorrow.
Lovely place buy would not rush back.
Will update monthly aprox from now after 42 day summary & lessons.
Day 30,12 to go
In Samui. Absolutly beutiful hotel. Just had coffee scrub and Dead sea Mud wrap. Eat your heart out.
Have decided to "trial" new eating pattern instead. Will put up summary next few days.
Walked 2.5 hrs yesterday. Bloody great heat rash.
Lay low today.
Day 27, 15 to go
Girls head home tomorrow night for arrival QLD Tuesday
I have decided to stay and do another 10 days juice and water only at a retreat on Koh Samui. Leave for it early tomorrow.
Want to do more " head stuff" and exercise.
Back on 22nd.
Day 25, 17 to go
Just got over two days of food poisoning. How ironical.
I thought, (just for a moment) I was going to die. All better now.
Looking forward to home.
Day 23, 19 days to go
Had a few days to see if new decided rules were easy or hard.
Too hard for me.
Need to create controlled environment still.
Not sure what to do next.
Day 20, 22 days to go
Changed from "water only" day 18 in evening. Could "feel" nor see "detox" effect still happening.
Kath Alexander had warned me of this. Certain biological indicators suggested Liver on go slow.
Pale bowel movements.
Have re introduced solid food to see what happenes next.
Gave me some time to think about eating and habits.
Some new guidelines for healthier eating:
#1: Only eat great food.
#2: Live food every meal.
#3. At least two large salads every day.
#4: Banned dairy, simple sugars and all fried food.
#5: Eat "anything"days limited to Xmas week and birthdays.
#6: Change attitudes to "treat food." eg chocolate, no more Cadbury's when Shelly has some but celebrate chocolate, once a month, by preparing a non dairy, organic chocolate treat.
#7: And this was the hardest. Two schools of thought of when to eat. Jansen's "only eat when u r hungry" to Pritikin's "eat all day".
From a science perspective with goals of longevity, Jansen MUST be right. Less we eat the longer we live. Only centarian in the "health experts" history. Fascinating? Lived to 117 years. However I could not do yet. Not enough self discipline. I will opt for Pritikin's way. "Eat" lots of smaller healthier meals spread throughout day to maximise weight loss. About 15kg so far.
I failed pretty thoroughly on using the "head stuff" to support. Not a meditation in site. Perhaps next year. Will do this as annual event now.
Challenge for next 22 days is to see if I can apply these new guidelines.
Day 16, 28 to go
Almost crashed last night. The hotel had a BBQ buffet, complete with roast duck and suckling pig. And the bastards put both together. Ahhh all happens with a purpose. Wilhelmena saved me. Kisses and promises of undying love. Does it every time. Perhaps I should carry round a recording of her voice. Beloved arrives tonight, very excited.
Exercised for 3 hours again yesterday. Upped water vto 3.5 litres. STILL minimal detox effects. Perhaps it was the raw food or juice 11 day into that gave me the soft landing? Perhaps will go onto fruit only next week to induce more Detox effect. Any ideas, please e-mail me. Looking for the healing crisis home@
Day 15, 27 to go.
Nothing except water and supplements since Sunday night, (Tuesday am here now). Only about an hour of difficulty most days. Unable to drink any more than 2 litres of water. Upped exercise to average 2 hours last three days, (four hours Sunday). I never thought I would say it but a little "sick of " massage, few days off. Start meditation and study today. Working on rules that are livable and long term. A little fuzzy headed. Sleeping lightly.
Day Nine 33 to go.
2nd day of Juices, will be on juice only by tomorrow if not today. Having trouble keeping hydrated. Will address today with 250ml juice or water each hour. No hunger for 90% of time. Only a little in afternoon and watching nite movie. Had a great walk yesterday with Kymmie. Booking overseas retreat component today. Almost handed over all work to James and John. Confident staff are working with James. Very good leader. Best we have had. Energy level 1-5,(5 being high) about 2.5.
Day Seven of my planned 42 day Detox, (sounds scary when I write it down). Have planned to do this since I was in my early twenties. Attempting Raw food 7 days, Juice only 7 days, water only 14 days, juice only 7 days, raw only 7 days. Thought first seven would have been tougher but the luck seems to go with the Irish.
Goals are to Detox all heavy metals, lose weight, commence aerobic exercise activity, think through and develope new food patterns and lay ground work for new habits. Have I always been overweight because of my beliefs or my habits? Lets find out. Starting weight, a whopping 172kg. Second heaviest I have ever been. Moods, my usual positive high. Exercsie habit nil.
Wilhelmena taking me to the hills of Thailand for the tough 14 days, (water only) so I have no distractions. Very excited. I wil try to keep up a diary for those interested below.
Sunday 21st April, Home, Sunshine Coast, Australia.
Ate lots of raw nuts, salad and one juice. Very hungry in night. Only second time hungry in last week. Must remember to keep having more fluids and light snacks, (salads) through day. Did aqua aerobics and swam 1/2 km frestyle. Will lift weight bearning movement when shed forst 15kg, (about a week). Head traffic normal, energy medium-low for me. Expect more dramatic entries in about a week.
- I did gain muscle mass and
2. my body changed shape,
3. (my lady certainly noticed), -two new positions.
4. My chronically bad back had made a great improvement. Normally when I have it go out it puts me in bed for two weeks
Next time it went out, it only troubled me for 3 days.
5. I had a better understanding of me. I will plan a better, (higher reps, lower weights, less impact events) next time
- It is all a journey of discovery
- I liked myself even more for having a go
- I still believe I am gorgeous.
I could look longer and find even more.
More philosophy below.......
Fountainhead exists to show a practical solution based philosophy in action. Sustainable housing, sustainable living, organics, mind body connection, permaculture and other such disciplines all have their part to play. But what I believe is that the mind and our belief systems will be the real key to health and happiness. Fountainhead's goal is to become a great learning centre, a sustainable business and a hell of a lot of fun.
Fountainhead is my attempt to make sense of life thus far. I believe finding fault, gossip, criticising and generally negative emotions to be destructive. Firstly to the person practicing them, and secondly to those around them. The alternative is a clear goal, a convicted attitude and total dedication to the outcome. Lessons from any errors along the way will provide their own impetus to ensure that they provide wisdom.
There are over six billion individual views in this world. By definition this means six billion philosophies. However, reality will test each of these views. This is my version, so by definition can be no one else's. Socrates, Plato and Arisotle all disagreed; this is the nature of life.
Happiness is not only for when we win the lottery, but smiling in the middle of a bastard of a day. Success is according to your own goals and measures. Do not measure your life by your succees but by your character. Most people will accept the idea of many variations and views of the world but the key, is not only coping with these differences but celebrating them.
In a rural environment we often have indigenous families, landowners stretching back a few generations and city "refugees" as well as hippies and others of the social welfare set. All that separates all these groups is their conclusions to life; their beliefs. Each group often is frightened by the inevitable change that continues to occur. By working together with tolerance of such differing views we hold most hope of creating a sustainable future.
Sometimes our guests will say that two of our speakers disagreed. Of course they will. I hope and can assure you they will. We are about philosophy, not religion. Show me what works. This is what I ask.
Neurosis makes for such inaccurate maps to model our lives upon. Look at neurosis as rules and models made by another and for another, but not for you to embrace. Develop your own ideals. Evil is impotent. Human beings are rarely evil. They are often ignorant, nearly always neurotic, locked in paradigms that don't always work and mostly scared. Most follow the path of least resistance which I believe is hard wired naturally and often referred to as common sense. When someone else's least resistance path does not agree with your least resistance path, we feel angry or hurt and sometimes fear.
Remember we can't be off our path. It is all part of the Journey. What is the good of your knowledge if you do not use it to improve things? The best solutions are found in education. Most cost effective, best key available. Not school but education. All knowledge that moves us forward comes from measurable, tangible discoveries. No "I think" or "I feel" have moved us one inch. Only, "I know".
Life is only proven when measured; objective rather than subjective. Truth is found in objective thought.
We are what we do. Some people are trustworthy, others are not. Watch our feet, not our tongues. No body I have met is always honest. I wish I was. Still, honesty and justice are my highest values. Fear is the real killer. Killer of lives; killer of ideals; and killer of dreams. I fear no man. I only fear myself not living up to my own standard.
Fountainhead will embody these philosophies. That is just today. Wait till you see tomorrow. 2003.
Reading List
I am often asked which books I read along the way to help create my character. I am more than happy to pass much credit to the following authors and philosophers:
Ayn Rand: Greatest influence thus far. Fountainhead and Atlas Shrugged greatest works. Ethics and the most accurate map of the world yet. What a woman she must have been.
Greg Neville: Here at Fountainhead most months. The greatest healer alive today.
Victor Hugo: Toilers of the Sea and Les Miserable's. Wonderful deep view of humanity. Rich and warm.
Bill Mollison: Permaculture Designers Manual. The book I would take if I could only take one.
M Scott Peck: The Road Less Travelled. Love, fear & self discipline. Master these and much is easy.
Education: Anything by Maria Montessori. Childbirth, Sheila Kit zinger-superb woman.
Trouble with change: Who moved my Cheese, Spencer Johnson.
Motivation: Jonathan Livingston Seagull, Bach. The first book of Philosophy, or anything by Jim Rohn.
Money: Richest Man in Babylon, Glasson.
I plan to publish my own first written thoughts next year in a book about Self Esteem aimed at young people. It will be called, "Kicking Arse", A Beginners Guide to Self Esteem.
I am sometimes asked to describe ourselves before a Guest has had the chance to visit.
When I was a boy my family used to visit Australian Bush Pubs for vacation. This is the type of service I wish to emulate at Fountainhead. The type of service that would welcome me to enter the kitchen in the night if I needed refreshment. Not formal but Australian and genuine.
What to expect at Fountainhead.
Education and change. New ideas. To be challenged, confronted to create this chnage. Not just a hug and a pamper that you will soon forget. To promote real and lasting change.
Fountainhead Vision
The idea of Fountainhead is a simple one.
It will be a place where all will be welcome to come to find new ideas and wisdom.
Fountainhead will teach that Nature's greatest work to date is indeed mankind.
It will be a place where people come to reflect, upgrade belief systems and forge new directions.
Fountainhead will stand in opposition to fear always.
It will be a place of change. For our guests and our selves.
Fountainhead will be a place where facilitators & pupils discover greater ways of education and understanding.
Here the older generation can recapture the spirit of their youth and the younger generation can anticipate the challenge of the future.
Fountainhead will show the wonders of Man and of Nature, interacting for all to see and understand.
We will always aim for the highest level of congruency.
Fountainhead will be based on Nature's lessons as well as the ideals, dreams and within the objective realty that has created Humankind.
We will create a unique place that demonstrates and dramatises these dreams and facts and send them forth as a source of inspiration and courage to the world.
It will be a place where our highest values are sought out, recognised and celebrated.
Fountainhead will teach plenty, not scarcity.
We will be an Organic health retreat, a farm, a place of hospitality, and a show piece of beauty and magic.
It will contain the accomplishments, hopes, joys and innovations of the world that we live in.
Fountainhead will remind us of how to make those wonders and ideals part of every day life.
We will always focus on your Cure, and not your treatment.
Lastly, Fountainhead will be completely Sustainable so that it can do all those things and more, tomorrow.
Yours Faithfully,
Wayne Parrott
QBE
Wayne passed the day to day running of Fountainhead to key staff in June 2006. James Galbraith is the Retreat Manager and chief of staff today. He has a great team around him.
After a year in Europe further researching Depression and various healing modalities Wayne, (whom also during this period helped setup National Telecoms Group for an International Float on the London stock exchange mid 2009) and Michelle returned to Australia in September 2007.
Wayne currently is planning the launch nationally and internationally of "The Fountainhead Method" a New treatment for clinical Depression, (October 2008). This will offer Australians with Clinical Depression a non residential, no drug alternative solution for this condition.
Michelle Mark, previous retreat Operations Manager is now developing a training program for Life Coach training in the Fountainhead Method and writing work books and explanations for the system. Michelle studied the Greek Classical philosophers at Oxford while in the UK with the goal of explaining the "Fountainhead Method" from a historical perspective.
Karin Best the other founder now works as an artist full time and Wilhelmena, our lovely daughter spends her time equally between us and can be found most weeks in one of the Pools or Steamrooms at Fountainhead with her Papa.
10th April/2008//Maleny
This week we welcomed customer service leader Phil Grey. Phil, who we met six months ago, has extensive experience in radio, is passionate and has an acute understanding of what we do here at Fountainhead. The Sunshine Coast-based family man has completed our weekend seminar and is participating in group therapy. We are looking forward to working with him and know he is a complement to the team.
We are excited to welcome back one of our top customer service staff Dimitti Moran, who returns next week. Having introduced countless people to our pro bono program in the past, Dimitti is another great addition to the team.
I was glad to return from last week's trip to Sydney with exciting news after speaking with potential sponsors for the Australian Depression Institute. I've discussed sponsorship of the institute, something Fountainhead already does, with a couple of national companies and hope to announce decisions within the the next two months. Hopefully we can bridge the gap between the work and education Beyond Blue provides by offering a focus on solutions. That is very exciting.
Team member for the past eight years Bruce Potts and his friend Damian Milo are kicking the Ride against Depression well and truly into gear. Sponsored by Fountainhead and Suzuki, the two aim to ride some 12,000 kilometres across Australia while promoting awareness of depression. For more informaiton visit www.acrossoz.net.
Also enjoying speedy progress is our book 28 Days to Beat Depression which we hope will be in print in February 2010.
On a final note, I saw a great movie yesterday: Up by Pixar. A fantastic movie. It puts forward the important idea of following your dreams and displays the significant difference a change in perception can make to life. Up's message portrays many ideas important to us here at Fountainhead.
For the whole blog interview in audio, click here to download (mp3).