Hi, I’m Reuben.

When I was 13, I got the worst report in my school for bad behaviour. I had problems with my attention and little interest in much else. This isn’t what you’d expect from someone who is into mindfulness, is it? It wasn’t until I got well into my 20s that I started to find an interest. Fast forward a few years and I’m now working part time in mental health, specializing in addictions, at a health clinic in Melbourne, Australia. I’m the founder of Mindful Creation, a social enterprise that develops and presents resources on the human mind and behaviour for self-growth and meaningful connection. I’m also the president of a charity called ACT on it. We’re currently developing a free psychotherapy smartphone app that is accessible for young people, yet suitable for all. My vision is to inspire and empower one million people towards lasting patterns of mindful change. What a difference that will make to the world! And the ripple effect from this, who knows?

Thank you for taking the time to read this.

I’d love to hear from you should you wish to connect at www.MindfulCreation.com

Mindful Creation // ACT on it

BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCH OF

DeWayne C. Allen

Background. Mr. Allen grew up in Washington State and moved to the Midwest to attend college. In 1963 he began his professional business career in St. Louis, MO, retired in 1989 and moved to Rhode Island in 1992 to pursue his interest in sailing and reengineered his senior lifestyle in philanthropy and volunteer services.

Education. He has his BA and MA Degrees from Central Missouri State University, majoring in Education; attended Washington University and other institutions for advanced courses in entrepreneurship, business management, business finance and investing (St. Louis, MO).

Business. He has over twenty five years experience in business including Xerox Corporation, AT&T (transition training prior to the corporate break-up; 1974-1980). He was a principal in real estate development, steel fabrication, marketing and direct mail advertising, shared office space management and teaching small business courses.

Instructor/Administrator. Mr. Allen coordinated the St. Louis Community College’s Adult Business Programs, Adjunct Professor – Webster University and Program Director of New Careers Program for training (GED) and job placement inner-city young adults (St. Louis). Formed Business Owners Management Team, Inc. (1982), and Business Owners Institute (501(c)3 designed to recruit and mentor MBA graduates, and downsized executives to acquire businesses.

Financing/Investments. Mr. Allen became a small business financial specialist in equipment leasing, business loans, private equity and venture capital. He assisted in designing and syndicating business ventures in real estate development and elderly housing/assisted living.

Independent Consultant. From 1972 following Xerox sales and management experience to retirement 1989. At present Mr. Allen coaches and mentors business owners and families in wealth development and individual career development.

Selected Accomplishments. Started or acquired seven small businesses (mail-order, shared office-space and services, Business Owners Management Team, metal fabrication, limited partnerships for real estate development); co-author of “Business Writing Made Simple,” cofounder of the Entrepreneurial Association of St. Louis, and Board Member Non-profit St. Louis Child Day Care Association; and in Rhode Island, the RI Representative for the Council of Churches to the New England Stewardship Council, Advisor to Minuteman Cochlear Implant Club (Boston), Planning Board of North Kingstown Arts Council, and others.

Other. Mr. Allen has conducted seminars on business marketing and negotiation skills. Was active in the Boy Scouts of America, CVS/Pharmacy Charity Classic Golf Tournaments-Make-A-Wish Foundation, the Museum of Yachting (restoring Rhode Island’s Flagship Courageous US26 (America’s Cup Defender in 1974-77). Have been active churches including Latter Day Saints, Ecumenical Society, First Baptist Church in America (Providence), founded by Roger Williams and Member of the Charitable Baptist Society; and presently a member of the Episcopal Church, “St. Peter-by-the-Sea,” Narragansett, RI.

DeWayne C. Allen,

Dale Chihuly

Sculptor

“I guess there’s something to be said for being young and impulsive and more than a little bit crazy.” -Dale Chihuly

Born in 1941 in Tacoma, Washington, Dale Chihuly was introduced to glass while studying interior design at the University of Washington. After graduating in 1965, Chihuly enrolled in the first glass program in the country, at the University of Wisconsin. He continued his studies at the Rhode Island School of Design (RISD), where he later established the glass program and taught for more than a decade.

In 1968, after receiving a Fulbright Fellowship, he went to work at the Venini glass factory in Venice. There he observed the team approach to blowing glass, which is critical to the way he works today. In 1971, Chihuly cofounded Pilchuck Glass School in Washington State. With this international glass center, Chihuly has led the avant-garde in the development of glass as a fine art.

His work is included in more than 200 hundred museum collections worldwide. He has been the recipient of many awards, including eleven honorary doctorates and two fellowships from the National Endowment for the Arts. Most recently, Chihuly received an Honorary Doctor of Human Letters from the University of Hawaii at Manoa, Honolulu, Hawaii.