Love and suffering

We are never so defenseless against suffering as when we love. - Freud

Well, we have survived another annual holiday of suffering. Yeah, I know, it's supposed to be a holiday of amore. But more and more, all I hear from the general public is grumblings of the stress of finding the perfect gift, planning the perfect night, or for those unfortunate (or fortunate) enough to be uncoupled, there's the let down of being alone, or if self imposed, the pressure from others to be in a couple. Everywhere you turn, there are reminders of passionate love. 

But this doesn't have to create suffering. Buddha says that pain is inevitable, suffering is optional. We create the reality we live in through the energy of our thoughts, words and actions (karma). If you want to be miserable, there's pretty much nothing that will can prevent that. But if you would like to be the captain of your own dreams, learn to harness the power of your thoughts, and create that for yourself. 

Through mindful practices, you can begin to change your brain patterns and rewrite not just your future, but also your past. Meditation comes in many forms, and for those that are intimidated by the idea of sitting quietly with nothing but their thoughts, there is a method for that. 

Join me at 11 am on Sunday at Little Lotus Wellness Studio in Ferndale for "Shift Happens" a donation based meditation group. We will play with a few proven meditation methods, some you may connect with, others you may just appreciate the experience of. There's something to love for everyone! 

Come meditate with us - click here for details

Kony 2012 and Why I Want to Stay in Haiti

In the beginning, my dream was to go to Africa. I mean, doesn't everybody at some point or another have a vision of themselves in the Motherland doing something, whether it be missions work, humanitarian aid, or even just a safari? My initial interest was sparked after seeing the animated film, Hugo the Hippo. It turned me on to Zimbabwe and the political strife of the region. Later, as I started seriously thinking of what type of work I would do in Africa, I realized I wanted to work with children. I looked into several options. For a few years now I've been looking into positions with assorted NGOs and charities in Zimbabwe such as the Zimbabwe Project, a Canadian orphan care organization. But as I do not have a Master's degree in the areas they require, I had been unable to catch a break. I guess true experience and expertise in a field doesn't mean squat when you have shareholders to answer to. 

Time Flies When You're Having Fun!

It seems like it has been ages since I've had an opportunity to write for fun. I have finally finished school - finished with a 4.0 and most distinguished graduate honors - even got to give the commencement speech. It was an exciting night. My grandma was there along with my children and closest friends. I was interviewed for the local paper, too! My 15 minutes of fame were the highlight of my college career!

Now on to the next adventure - I'm working on going to Haiti for a year. I had lunch with a local icon who is exec director of a charity organization that runs an orphanage in Haiti. I am flying down next weekend to check it out and if all goes well I will be moving there next month.

It is going to be a crazy month between now and then. My son moved home last week and I will be busy packing away my belongings and transferring over many of accounts to keep things going back here while I'm gone. I plan to set up a program so friends and family can donate money or supplies for the orphanage so that the compensation I ask for will be covered so stay tuned for information.

I am so excited!

Help Feed the Hungry!

Do you like word games? You can combine your enjoyment of word games with altruism and help a worthy cause...

http://www.freerice.com/