iridescence

by Paul Callaghan

At 34 years of age, Paul Callaghan had it all. Especially for an Aboriginal person.


Being born an Aboriginal person in Australia means that statistically you are going to die younger, have poorer health, earn less, be more likely to be unemployed and be more likely to end up in jail.


At 34 years of age, none of these things were on the horizon for Paul. He had three qualifications, in the areas of surveying, drafting and business. He was employed by a large university, in the area of promotions and marketing whilst also having a part time role as a lecturer in economics to Aboriginal students.


But on his 35th birthday, Paul’s life came crashing down.


He had spent 35 years chasing the dream. Proving to himself and the world that he didn’t have to let statistics and probability of failure dictate his life. But he was so busy chasing success, that he had not seen the dark shadow of depression watching him with patience and desire. As his career sparkled and shone, the black dog waited for its time to introduce itself brazenly and without apology.


Paul then started a quest and attacked it with the same fervour as he had with all other things in his life. He had to fix this unforeseen hiccup in his great life plan. He wanted an instant cure.


But as time passed Paul realised the cure was not an instant one. It was about exploration and undertaking a journey to finding his own colours.


And an important part of Paul’s journey has been the learning passed onto him by a man named Paul Gordon. ‘Uncle Paul’ has been given knowledge from many ‘Old Ones’ over the years. This knowledge has been passed down over thousands of years and it has changed Paul Callaghan’s life.


This book provides insights on wellbeing and fulfilment based on his journey. It includes the lessons he learned from many sources over the years, including from Uncle Paul, a very giving and humble man who reminds us that his views aren’t necessarily the views of other Aboriginal people. Across Australia there is a rich tapestry of Aboriginal stories and divergent views that we can all – regardless of race and colour – learn much from.


Paul Callaghan says, ‘I have learned to see the magic that is in every day. I am no longer lost. I am found. I am living my truth.’


Are you living your truth, your story? If not, then iridescence provides you with models, tools, insights, exercises, reflections and 30 specific messages around key themes including your life’s journey, the importance of the past, love, learning, sharing, leadership, laughter, loss, personal power, anxiety, anger, regret, guilt, responsibility, success, wellbeing and truth to help you find your colours so that you can start living your story today.

ebook

First published December 18, 2014

About the author

Paul Callaghan is a First Nations custodian in the land now called Australia. Paul belongs to the land of the Worimi people which is located on the east coast of Australia about 2 hours north of Sydney, New South Wales. He is an Aboriginal story teller and dancer. Paul has held a number of senior executive positions in his career and has qualifications in a diverse range of disciplines including surveying, drafting, accounting, economics, training, executive leadership, emotional intelligence, company boards, and executive/organisational coaching.
Paul’s passion however has always been around healing individuals, communities and the Earth our Mother. His corporate roles have always incorporated this passion.
Paul has been ‘going bush’ for many, many years and learning traditional ‘Lore’ from his Elders much of which he is willing to share with those who respect it.
Paul also ran a very successful spiritual/energy healing practice for many years with a wide variety of clients and illnesses.
The underpinning foundation of the book is his journey through depression and the role Aboriginal culture, spirituality and philosophy had in not only enabling him to recover, but also empowering him to live life by his truth rather than everybody else’s expectations. The book has a number of exercises and models based on his experience aimed at assisting people from all walks of life to build the courage and skills to live a life of purpose, choice and wellbeing. You will find it is a combination of styles including textbook, self help, Aboriginal history, Aboriginal philosophy, Aboriginal spirituality and an autobiography of his journey through depression.