Humanity Platform

 The final book in Ryan Holiday's Stoic Virtues series came out this year. The book Wisdom Takes Work  is a powerful and thought provoking addition to his phenomenal works on Stoicism.  The book's central theme is that wisdom ties together all the other virtues. There is no courage, discipline, or justice without wisdom.  Holiday breaks down the concept of wisdom into five key attributes: knowledge, education, self reflection, truth, and peace.  Knowledge and education covers both traditional schooling and learning as well as self education, the 'school of life' so to speak.  As part of the journey to becoming a wise man, or woman, there must be self reflection so that don't just memorise lessons but internalise and apply them.  Doing this self reflection leads you to look beneath the surface of life leading you to truth and peace.  If you haven't already, read Ryan Holiday's Virtues series:  Courage is Calling , Discipline is Destiny , Righ...

 Every Australian by now is aware of the horrific Bondi attack. It is time to remember that if you live in Australia we live the Australian way. The Australian way means everyone has the same rights and responsibilities; literally a 'fair go' for all.  Since Captain Cook first landed in Australia we have been a predominately Judeo Christian society but we must not forget that before European settlement there is a long history of First Nation's spirituality. When you combine this with decades of immigration and multiculturalism in our country we are now a nation of many faiths and traditions.  There is no need for antisemitism or islamophobia. It's time for us to unite for Bondi and remember that life is better when we reject the darkness and embrace the miracle of light. Miracle of Light Blood on the sand cannot extinguish the light; People of all faiths put a candle in your window tonight. The rolling waves of Bondi will forever whisper where the children lie. In celeb...

 Every year on this day the 3rd of December people around the world celebrate the achievements and abilities of those who live with disabilities.  This is important because people with disabilities deserve to be an equal part of our society.  For me though International Day of People with Disability always brings up complicated feelings. On one hand I enjoy that people finally recognise my contribution to the community; on the other I want to be recognised without my disability being a factor.  It is going to sound weird but I have fought so long to be "just Chris" that the focus of International Day of People with Disability makes my day to day struggles feel like they have a spotlight on them.  I know that there are things in my life I have achieved because of my disability but there are many more things in my life I haven't been able to do for the same reason.  This year's theme fostering disability inclusive societies for advancing social prog...

 Centuries ago there was an ideal philosophical concept known as the Philosopher King . The idea being to be a great ruler you should be a philosopher because philosophy leads you to the best life where you are courageous, moderate, just, and wise.  I have modified this concept as my new approach to life instead of becoming a Philosopher King I aim to be a Philosopher Actor. It is said by the ancients that the aim of philosophy is to lead a good life. My good life is to be a good husband, man, and actor.  I recently have been doing a deep dive into Uta Hagen's books:  A Challenge for the Actor , and Respect for Acting . She advocates for an almost monk like discipline towards the arts and the acting craft.  I have always felt this level of commitment to my acting but I didn't want to be considered too extreme but after reading Uta's books I feel I have permission to do so. I have also been reacquainting myself with the philosophy of Schopenhauer and the Taoists....

 Every election our vote is about more than politics; it says I am part of this nation and my voice will be heard.  This election is about Team Australia. Which leader has a plan to build Australia's future and who wants to divide us? This election is about more than politics; it is about stable leadership. It is about aiming high, looking forward, and thinking big.  My life has been about disability rights. I am living proof that disability rights is more than politics and this election people with disabilities' votes matter.  If I was American I would die. Medicare is the envy of the world. No less than two American presidents have tried to bring in an Australian Medicare style system. Universal healthcare is a human right.  All leaders have been saying that we live in uncertain times and as a result, thinking about acting in Australia's defence becomes about more than politics. We need to make Australia impenetrable to anyone that wishes to do us harm. We nee...

 This blog post was going to be a long piece about my Lenten journey but it simply comes down to this, reconfirming that I am Christian which literally translates to follower of Christ.  Follow When life feels increasingly hollow; I make the sign of the cross and remember to follow. He cleanses me without a single drop of soap; I am born in a baptism of hope.  On Good Friday I venerate the cross with a mixture of joy and sorrow; Then I lift my head and follow. Each Lent I reflect on God's love everlasting; Through prayer, alms giving, and fasting. When Satan tempts me with a lie he thinks I will swallow; I take Christ's hand and continue to follow. When life sends me careening towards a wall of bricks; I give thanks and reach for my crucifix.  When I follow the lessons He taught; There is no need for an earthly court. He took my pain along with every sin; I pick up the cross and follow my King. Chris Van Ingen | 18 April 2025

 I have written extensively about how assistive technology helps me be independent. In blog posts such as More Than a Test Drive and Tony Stark's House (an Assistive Technology Dream) . My disability has turned the circle of life into a circle of tech.  Every few years I have to go through the assistive technology merry go round because all of my equipment seems to break down at the same time.  I am in the process of applying for a new hoist and sling, shower commode chair, bed, front door opener, and new abductor cushion.  I also am aware in the not too distant future I will have to attempt to try and get a new wheelchair. Every time I have to apply for a new piece of equipment my therapists and I have to make the case as to why that particular piece of equipment is 'reasonable and necessary'.  The frustrating thing about this is, even though it might be clear that I need a piece of equipment, one or two words in the funding form can make a difference on wheth...

 At the age of 10 I distinctly remember deciding to be the best. Ever since then I have driven myself on a journey to live a peak life.  What follows is my advice for future men. I start each year from zero. Like Batman Begins I jump off at year one. I discard what didn't work in the previous year and use only what lead me to my best self. I start each day by creating a vision of myself in the mirror as the best me. I am creative. I am strong. I am calm. I am someone my family, community, country, and even the world can rely on.  I encourage future men to put family first and be willing to to put all your effort mentally and physically to helping your family thrive and if necessary put your body on the line to protect it. Once your family is secure, guide your efforts to your community because in my opinion the best way to protect your family is to have a strong community. As a kid I grew up in a town where everyone knew their neighbours and people played for the Lara Sp...

 To start 2025 I am going to open up my disability files and talk about my experiences and other topics relating to disability.  Through opening up my disability files I will speak about person centred practice, amplifying the voice of people with a disability, disability and sexuality, the cultural impact of disability, beauty and disability, and much, much more.  When you read the history of disability rather than just focusing on each specific disability it is important to see the individual person in the centre and to focus on things like choice, rights, and empowerment.  In my early life there was a 'fix it' approach to disability. We have to make the disability better rather than empowering me and other people with disabilities to lead the life we want to live.  Last year was the twentieth year of me delivering disability education to the community. In that time I have encouraged the community to take a holistic view of the person with a disability's life....