So I just finished lunch, and food is still fresh on the mind. I have been in love with food my whole life and quite frankly eating is one of my favourite things to do (besides giving hugs). The food here has fully captivated me. To the majority of expat pallettes, Ugandan food is bland, boring and a bucket of starch. To me, I have found pure beauty in it. It is some of the freshest food I have ever had. Everyday at the office I am blessed with a giant plate or rice, freshly cooked beans in tomato sauce and onions, a slice of steamed sweet potato, and a large helping of steamed plantain (matouke). AHH it is incredible. I usually get the symptoms of "dosing" as many Ugandans do after eating this carb loaded delight. haha but it is all part of the joy of eating here.
Yesterdays lunch was a shocker. I am eating my beans, rice, matouke and sweet potato as usual, reading the news on my latop. Halfway through my meal, I looked down and there were 5 thumbnail sized worms squigglin around in my beans, and a bunch of thin long clear worms in the mix with them. haha I have really come to not care about things here, as I found myself pick out the large worms and throw them out the window, mix in the rest, and continue on eating as if nothing had happened. haha I could definately see myself stranded in a rainforest, turning over rotten logs, eating grubs to survive. I now know I have it in me.. :)
On to the ROLEX!! AHH Uganda's most amazing cuisine treasure. The streets are dotted with little tiny food stands advertising "rolex and chapati". When I first arrived here I literally thought they were selling watches and bread. hahaha Upon closer look I discovered a little piece of heaven. Chopped cabbage, tomato, green pepper and onion fried with 2 eggs and rolled up into a fresh chapati. This has become by far my most favourite food globally. Of all the places I have lived and all the food I have been exposed to, nothing hits home and satisfies the gut and soul like a Rolex. I am currently considering bringing this ingenious delicacy to the streets of Canada, where profit margins for this treat would skyrocket. (if you are reading this please dont steal the idea. hahahah)
Ahhhh food. How I love you!!!
10/15/08
Little Man Syndrome
This is probably going to be a Debby Downer post so brace yourself. Hahaha
Work has recently been a little frustrating. These CIDA internships seem to be hit or miss in terms of the quality of the supervisor you are given and how much they put into your development as an employee. It appears that I got the extreme shit end of the stick on this placement. I knew from the start that it was going to be a challenge, but never thought that my supervisor could be so disinterested and unengaged in my role here. Not to place any judgment, but more just outlining the truth of the matter, he is a man with a huge ego of his own intelligence and abilities, with not a care for what others are capable of and can bring to the table. He suffers from extreme little man syndrome, overcompensating in hubris and self love for his mini stature. He has, without a lie, not given me one piece of work, one piece of advice, one ounce of guidance, no resources, no direction or identification of priorities and barely gives me the time of day when I go to communicate with him. A couple of weeks ago I went in to talk to him and he literally handed me his business card and said “if you need to speak to me please send me an email and I will get back when I have the time.” Do you think he ever responds to my e-mails? Nope!! Haha
If my organization were made into an office drama, this guy would for sure be the topic of shit talking at the candy machine/water jug. Haha I don’t really have anyone at the office I can openly express my feelings on this matter with, hence why you all have to put up with it.
Think my priorities might change here from being a field worker, going out and working hands on with the farmers (which I love), to focusing my energy on creating an inclusive environmental policy and a standardized environmental assessment approach for UCA’s programming. I can only go on my own assessments of the needs, as the direction and leadership just isn’t there to guide me towards something.
On top of that things move at the slowesssssst pace. Even just to get a ripped internet line repaired took 2.5 weeks to get done, so you can imagine on the bigger stuff, it just lags, gets pushed to the bottom of the pile, and resurfaces when you have already begun to work on something else. It’s a system I am slowly learning my place in and learning how to get around.
On to some more positive things. Life has been grand. Getting to become closer with friends I have met here has been a blessing. There are a great many amazing souls here in the NGO community that I have been fortunate to meet and that side of life here has been beautiful. The people I have met love to dance, and the majority are beginning to really embrace the hugs, which is great because it is something I have been missing since leaving home. Back home the daily hug quota was about 15-20 people per day. Here it is usually maybe one a day if that, with maybe 10 per day on the weekends. The hug army is slowly building and it is something I would love to see grow in Ugandan society. Hugs connect hearts, they bridge barriers, they break down negative emotions, they are rejuvenating, invigorating and by far my favourite thing to do.
Went to the first International Jazz Festival this weekend at a resort along the banks of Lake Victoria. Had some of the most incredible Afro Jazz fusion blasting into the night. I have never danced so much in my life. It surprised me how few people were dancing. Had so many people pointing and laughing, guys running over and imitating my moves and then running back and laughing with their friends about it. Security guards giving me thumbs up, female resort workers covering their mouths and giggling, whispering to their friends. Oh well, couldn’t care whether I looked like a complete knob, I was having a blast. My friend Pete joined for dinner last night and he asked if anyone has come up to me for an autograph yet. I was confused.. Apparently the whole festival was being filmed (about 8 hours in all) and he said the camera was focused on my dancing for about 40% of the time. Hahaha It was broadcast on all the major Ugandan tv stations. Was really embarrassing to find out, as I was fully just giving it for the entire 8 hours, drenched in sweat, serious swamp ass in my jeans. Hope that wasn’t visible. “Hey Mzungu swamp ass, I really liked your dancing” haha
There was this incredible South African artist Miriam Makeba. The energy she put out, the wittiness, her jokes, her lively dancing, her singing, her ability to carry on for an hour.. It all amazed me. This lady gave it her all and was 76.. I was stunned the whole night and it only served to further keep me going with the full-on drenched dancing.
I head up to Nebbi and Arua come Monday for 11 days to implement some of the water and soil conservation trainings I have been developing. It should be a nice trip. I was very excited, as for a long time now I have been pushing for my co-worker Ronah to come to the field and implement some gender training workshops. My supervisor has denied her application twice, saying that there is no funding available for her to go. I took it into my own hands and contacted my boss in Ottawa asking if some of my travel allotment could be given to ronah so she could come to the field. After a couple of emails back and fourth they agreed, and Ronah was on cloud nine, soooo excited to see upcountry and get out and get some more hands on experience. I went to inform my supervisor that the funding had gone through and he told me that he will put a stop on it going through, as he doesn’t feel she is qualified ( even though she has done about 5 gender training workshops already elsewhere) and doesn’t feel it is appropriate for a Ugandan to be using my funding.. It has completely set me off, hence the motivation for writing this downer post about him, Ronah had so much hope in her eyes hearing that CCA had approved her to go to the north. She was the most excited I had seen her, smiling from ear to ear, energy at an all time peak. She was then devastated hearing she wouldn’t be going. This goes back to my supe. Not noticing the capacities and strengths of others. Ronah has so much potential and so many skills, but it seems like so many of the management staff here are holding her back and not allowing her to foster this potential. Drives me nuts!!!!
Anywho just some frustrations and good things I am going through..
Think I might end all communication with my supervisor. It is pointless to try and only puts a hamper on my energy. Not really losing anything by doing so. We shall see where things go in the next 4 months. Will keep you posted.
Love Love Love
Work has recently been a little frustrating. These CIDA internships seem to be hit or miss in terms of the quality of the supervisor you are given and how much they put into your development as an employee. It appears that I got the extreme shit end of the stick on this placement. I knew from the start that it was going to be a challenge, but never thought that my supervisor could be so disinterested and unengaged in my role here. Not to place any judgment, but more just outlining the truth of the matter, he is a man with a huge ego of his own intelligence and abilities, with not a care for what others are capable of and can bring to the table. He suffers from extreme little man syndrome, overcompensating in hubris and self love for his mini stature. He has, without a lie, not given me one piece of work, one piece of advice, one ounce of guidance, no resources, no direction or identification of priorities and barely gives me the time of day when I go to communicate with him. A couple of weeks ago I went in to talk to him and he literally handed me his business card and said “if you need to speak to me please send me an email and I will get back when I have the time.” Do you think he ever responds to my e-mails? Nope!! Haha
If my organization were made into an office drama, this guy would for sure be the topic of shit talking at the candy machine/water jug. Haha I don’t really have anyone at the office I can openly express my feelings on this matter with, hence why you all have to put up with it.
Think my priorities might change here from being a field worker, going out and working hands on with the farmers (which I love), to focusing my energy on creating an inclusive environmental policy and a standardized environmental assessment approach for UCA’s programming. I can only go on my own assessments of the needs, as the direction and leadership just isn’t there to guide me towards something.
On top of that things move at the slowesssssst pace. Even just to get a ripped internet line repaired took 2.5 weeks to get done, so you can imagine on the bigger stuff, it just lags, gets pushed to the bottom of the pile, and resurfaces when you have already begun to work on something else. It’s a system I am slowly learning my place in and learning how to get around.
On to some more positive things. Life has been grand. Getting to become closer with friends I have met here has been a blessing. There are a great many amazing souls here in the NGO community that I have been fortunate to meet and that side of life here has been beautiful. The people I have met love to dance, and the majority are beginning to really embrace the hugs, which is great because it is something I have been missing since leaving home. Back home the daily hug quota was about 15-20 people per day. Here it is usually maybe one a day if that, with maybe 10 per day on the weekends. The hug army is slowly building and it is something I would love to see grow in Ugandan society. Hugs connect hearts, they bridge barriers, they break down negative emotions, they are rejuvenating, invigorating and by far my favourite thing to do.
Went to the first International Jazz Festival this weekend at a resort along the banks of Lake Victoria. Had some of the most incredible Afro Jazz fusion blasting into the night. I have never danced so much in my life. It surprised me how few people were dancing. Had so many people pointing and laughing, guys running over and imitating my moves and then running back and laughing with their friends about it. Security guards giving me thumbs up, female resort workers covering their mouths and giggling, whispering to their friends. Oh well, couldn’t care whether I looked like a complete knob, I was having a blast. My friend Pete joined for dinner last night and he asked if anyone has come up to me for an autograph yet. I was confused.. Apparently the whole festival was being filmed (about 8 hours in all) and he said the camera was focused on my dancing for about 40% of the time. Hahaha It was broadcast on all the major Ugandan tv stations. Was really embarrassing to find out, as I was fully just giving it for the entire 8 hours, drenched in sweat, serious swamp ass in my jeans. Hope that wasn’t visible. “Hey Mzungu swamp ass, I really liked your dancing” haha
There was this incredible South African artist Miriam Makeba. The energy she put out, the wittiness, her jokes, her lively dancing, her singing, her ability to carry on for an hour.. It all amazed me. This lady gave it her all and was 76.. I was stunned the whole night and it only served to further keep me going with the full-on drenched dancing.
I head up to Nebbi and Arua come Monday for 11 days to implement some of the water and soil conservation trainings I have been developing. It should be a nice trip. I was very excited, as for a long time now I have been pushing for my co-worker Ronah to come to the field and implement some gender training workshops. My supervisor has denied her application twice, saying that there is no funding available for her to go. I took it into my own hands and contacted my boss in Ottawa asking if some of my travel allotment could be given to ronah so she could come to the field. After a couple of emails back and fourth they agreed, and Ronah was on cloud nine, soooo excited to see upcountry and get out and get some more hands on experience. I went to inform my supervisor that the funding had gone through and he told me that he will put a stop on it going through, as he doesn’t feel she is qualified ( even though she has done about 5 gender training workshops already elsewhere) and doesn’t feel it is appropriate for a Ugandan to be using my funding.. It has completely set me off, hence the motivation for writing this downer post about him, Ronah had so much hope in her eyes hearing that CCA had approved her to go to the north. She was the most excited I had seen her, smiling from ear to ear, energy at an all time peak. She was then devastated hearing she wouldn’t be going. This goes back to my supe. Not noticing the capacities and strengths of others. Ronah has so much potential and so many skills, but it seems like so many of the management staff here are holding her back and not allowing her to foster this potential. Drives me nuts!!!!
Anywho just some frustrations and good things I am going through..
Think I might end all communication with my supervisor. It is pointless to try and only puts a hamper on my energy. Not really losing anything by doing so. We shall see where things go in the next 4 months. Will keep you posted.
Love Love Love
10/10/08
Building Trust for Global Solutions
Hey.. Had this discussion with a friend here in Uganda recently, and thought it beneficial to share..
The world we live in today is becoming a well defined mosaic of life; diversity resplendently expressing itself as it paints an intricate portrait of the larger picture of the world on an open, boundless canvas. Each culture, each community, each individual expressing different views of the workings of life and the world, but what one can notice, if one searches that there are vast underlining meaning and shared realities that connect all our hearts as one.
Looking into religion. The world has become so divided, each religion pushing for its' place on a global scale, spreading messages to gain entitlement in their own mission, ideology and purpose. Dogma and tradition have divided humanity so much that it makes the purpose of religion—the unification of mankind and looking out for our brothers and sisters—extremely obsolete and non-existent. Each one so blinded by the institution that they have conformed to, and what it means on a surface level to be part of that institution, forgetting more on the real lessons and guides of action that they are grounded in that can connect us all. Religion is a personal search for ultimate truth, rather then a blind following of the masses to interpretations laid out by individuals claiming to have a higher connection to this ultimate truth. People are so forceful on defining themselves in a predetermined box, that it hinders the development of a world where we see the shared similarities existing between the human fabric of mankind, and see rather the world from a much narrower view, a view of division and segregation from one another. In the search for this personal truth, one can see that all paths lead to the same ultimate reality, yet the majority of these paths are so reinforced by giant walls and barbed wire, that people lack seeing that they all run parallel to one another. If tradition and dogma could be looked beyond I think so many of the worlds problems could be solved in collaboration. The majority of the west has come to see Islam solely as a radical, fanatical religion, with people who don't value life and seek to terrorize the world. This drives me wild, as Islam is a faith of peace, grounded again on global collaboration and ultimate peace building and unity. Evangelical Christians are just as fanatical as Muslim extremists, yet the world has not come to generalize Christianity in the same light. Religion should be done away with if the truth of it is to be consistently covered over by surface level identity.
Of most importance is personal investigation and personal initiative to wholeheartedly embrace ourselves in a light that empowers us to grow both spiritually and mentally in understanding both the falsity of many of the thoughts that our minds stir up about ourselves and others, and to allow these thoughts to dissipate through remaining connected to a state of higher consciousness that exists in and around ourselves right here, right now.
Judgment, an a aspect of the human reality, direly needs to change. There exists so much judgment in the world, and at the onset of seeing something negative or bad in someone, we ultimately place judgment on people and further the divide of collaborating and building global trust. Looking and focusing on the goodness of people is what truly matters. Negativity and bad things exist in all people, but if they are not on a level that significantly impacts others lives and wellbeing, then why do they matter? They are insignificant. What is of the greatest importance are the amazing qualities that exist in peoples hearts, and there are many. We must become grounded in seeing the goodness of others and embracing the goodness of ourselves. We will always have things we want to change in our life and about ourselves. An approach for doing this is noticing the good things that are going on in yourself and in your life and putting full energy into fostering their growth. The growth of these attributes inevitably will lead to the things you want to change about yourself, to do just that, change. This approach embraces the beauty, letting the light grow. “Even the smallest candle brings light to any darkness.” Imagine if that candle turned into a giant bonfire, fueled by a positive drive to see the goodness in yourself and others. Before you know it the darkness is less visible, and the bright light of yourself and others is what you begin to focus on. This is not the ego, as this is grounded in truth and humbleness. The ego is a product of the mind. This positive progression is solely an expression and revelation of the heart, which is who we truly are as humans. The mind will continuously confuse us and create internal chaos. With our heart as the compass of our lives, deep intuition leads our life on a much more truthful path, clear to what directions our lives are headed and what we need to do to progress together, in oneness. With the heart strong, it begins to influence thoughts and puts up an ever expanding filter that begins to purify our thoughts, speeding up the time it takes to get over negative things in our lives and returning our intentions and focus to the positive--grass is greener right where I am--side of life. The ending of judgment of others and ourselves, as well as the focus on revealing the positive attributes of others and ourselves rather then focusing on the negative is deeply essential. We can have the most sustainable, holistic approaches to solving the worlds' problems, but if trust in our fellow (wo)man is not present, it won't matter how smart and strategic our plans are. It is my view that lack of true trust building is one of the key root problems to the current global strife.
Nature, the world, its’ people, exist in so much beauty. We taint this beauty by our narrow views, our judgment, our own personal lens’. We must broaden our lens’ to see the truth in ourselves, others and the world around us. If we are to forge global solutions, it is essential that we find foundations in an approach grounded in trust building and opening our perception to the real world around us.
Hope you are all well..
Much love
The world we live in today is becoming a well defined mosaic of life; diversity resplendently expressing itself as it paints an intricate portrait of the larger picture of the world on an open, boundless canvas. Each culture, each community, each individual expressing different views of the workings of life and the world, but what one can notice, if one searches that there are vast underlining meaning and shared realities that connect all our hearts as one.
Looking into religion. The world has become so divided, each religion pushing for its' place on a global scale, spreading messages to gain entitlement in their own mission, ideology and purpose. Dogma and tradition have divided humanity so much that it makes the purpose of religion—the unification of mankind and looking out for our brothers and sisters—extremely obsolete and non-existent. Each one so blinded by the institution that they have conformed to, and what it means on a surface level to be part of that institution, forgetting more on the real lessons and guides of action that they are grounded in that can connect us all. Religion is a personal search for ultimate truth, rather then a blind following of the masses to interpretations laid out by individuals claiming to have a higher connection to this ultimate truth. People are so forceful on defining themselves in a predetermined box, that it hinders the development of a world where we see the shared similarities existing between the human fabric of mankind, and see rather the world from a much narrower view, a view of division and segregation from one another. In the search for this personal truth, one can see that all paths lead to the same ultimate reality, yet the majority of these paths are so reinforced by giant walls and barbed wire, that people lack seeing that they all run parallel to one another. If tradition and dogma could be looked beyond I think so many of the worlds problems could be solved in collaboration. The majority of the west has come to see Islam solely as a radical, fanatical religion, with people who don't value life and seek to terrorize the world. This drives me wild, as Islam is a faith of peace, grounded again on global collaboration and ultimate peace building and unity. Evangelical Christians are just as fanatical as Muslim extremists, yet the world has not come to generalize Christianity in the same light. Religion should be done away with if the truth of it is to be consistently covered over by surface level identity.
Of most importance is personal investigation and personal initiative to wholeheartedly embrace ourselves in a light that empowers us to grow both spiritually and mentally in understanding both the falsity of many of the thoughts that our minds stir up about ourselves and others, and to allow these thoughts to dissipate through remaining connected to a state of higher consciousness that exists in and around ourselves right here, right now.
Judgment, an a aspect of the human reality, direly needs to change. There exists so much judgment in the world, and at the onset of seeing something negative or bad in someone, we ultimately place judgment on people and further the divide of collaborating and building global trust. Looking and focusing on the goodness of people is what truly matters. Negativity and bad things exist in all people, but if they are not on a level that significantly impacts others lives and wellbeing, then why do they matter? They are insignificant. What is of the greatest importance are the amazing qualities that exist in peoples hearts, and there are many. We must become grounded in seeing the goodness of others and embracing the goodness of ourselves. We will always have things we want to change in our life and about ourselves. An approach for doing this is noticing the good things that are going on in yourself and in your life and putting full energy into fostering their growth. The growth of these attributes inevitably will lead to the things you want to change about yourself, to do just that, change. This approach embraces the beauty, letting the light grow. “Even the smallest candle brings light to any darkness.” Imagine if that candle turned into a giant bonfire, fueled by a positive drive to see the goodness in yourself and others. Before you know it the darkness is less visible, and the bright light of yourself and others is what you begin to focus on. This is not the ego, as this is grounded in truth and humbleness. The ego is a product of the mind. This positive progression is solely an expression and revelation of the heart, which is who we truly are as humans. The mind will continuously confuse us and create internal chaos. With our heart as the compass of our lives, deep intuition leads our life on a much more truthful path, clear to what directions our lives are headed and what we need to do to progress together, in oneness. With the heart strong, it begins to influence thoughts and puts up an ever expanding filter that begins to purify our thoughts, speeding up the time it takes to get over negative things in our lives and returning our intentions and focus to the positive--grass is greener right where I am--side of life. The ending of judgment of others and ourselves, as well as the focus on revealing the positive attributes of others and ourselves rather then focusing on the negative is deeply essential. We can have the most sustainable, holistic approaches to solving the worlds' problems, but if trust in our fellow (wo)man is not present, it won't matter how smart and strategic our plans are. It is my view that lack of true trust building is one of the key root problems to the current global strife.
Nature, the world, its’ people, exist in so much beauty. We taint this beauty by our narrow views, our judgment, our own personal lens’. We must broaden our lens’ to see the truth in ourselves, others and the world around us. If we are to forge global solutions, it is essential that we find foundations in an approach grounded in trust building and opening our perception to the real world around us.
Hope you are all well..
Much love
10/8/08
An Ode to Co-operatives
Ode to Co-operatives
Co-operatives; collectivized, member driven, they truly pave the way,
Building the global co-operative paradigm is essential for solving our problems today.
Like a stream under a bridge, co-ops challenge the current global economic scheme,
This current is rising, working tirelessly to build collaboration, contributing to a unified team…
A group of individuals with a common purpose, a shared vision, and a destined drive,
Sowing the seeds for long term livelihood improvement, communities begin to thrive.
This movement is truly alive, with improvements to the model consistently underway,
Evolving towards strong, holistic enterprises; building foundations for peace today.
With values grounded in equality, transparency, accountability and integrity,
A model that empowers those in vulnerability, paving a successful path for the entire world to see.
One must see that the current economic paradigm is one that’s withering under its’ feet,
Co-ops are becoming powerful contenders; soon the current system won’t be able to compete.
We must all refocus the co-operative spirit, distributing the values at a heightened pace.
Further enabling community driven approaches to come out on top in the economic rat race.
We are on the brink of great change, threats exist, but with clear sight, opportunities are born,
Building unity in diversity, fostering development in peace, mending communities that were once torn.
Let us come together and give thanks to the people who dedicate their lives to building this positive direction,
Building strong cooperative societies founded in virtues and values since the movements’ inception.
Let us continue moving forward, laying bricks, paving paths that lead the cooperative way,
The sky is the limit in collectivized action, the fuel burning the fire for community driven development is here to stay.
In this day and age let us reflect on where we have come thus far, and have great faith in where we can go,
Be confident and proud, knowing at heart that this beautiful movement will only continue to grow.
Co-operatives; collectivized, member driven, they truly pave the way,
Building the global co-operative paradigm is essential for solving our problems today.
Like a stream under a bridge, co-ops challenge the current global economic scheme,
This current is rising, working tirelessly to build collaboration, contributing to a unified team…
A group of individuals with a common purpose, a shared vision, and a destined drive,
Sowing the seeds for long term livelihood improvement, communities begin to thrive.
This movement is truly alive, with improvements to the model consistently underway,
Evolving towards strong, holistic enterprises; building foundations for peace today.
With values grounded in equality, transparency, accountability and integrity,
A model that empowers those in vulnerability, paving a successful path for the entire world to see.
One must see that the current economic paradigm is one that’s withering under its’ feet,
Co-ops are becoming powerful contenders; soon the current system won’t be able to compete.
We must all refocus the co-operative spirit, distributing the values at a heightened pace.
Further enabling community driven approaches to come out on top in the economic rat race.
We are on the brink of great change, threats exist, but with clear sight, opportunities are born,
Building unity in diversity, fostering development in peace, mending communities that were once torn.
Let us come together and give thanks to the people who dedicate their lives to building this positive direction,
Building strong cooperative societies founded in virtues and values since the movements’ inception.
Let us continue moving forward, laying bricks, paving paths that lead the cooperative way,
The sky is the limit in collectivized action, the fuel burning the fire for community driven development is here to stay.
In this day and age let us reflect on where we have come thus far, and have great faith in where we can go,
Be confident and proud, knowing at heart that this beautiful movement will only continue to grow.
10/5/08
Love
Had the chance to talk with my brother today for a half hour and like a light switch, he was able to flip me right back to feeling grounded, aware and awake again. Thank you Bren! love you with all my heart.
As I sit here all kinds of thoughts of peace, love and diversity are racing through my head, thinking of the great potential that each individual human being has. While energy prospetors are looking to tap into new renewable resources, we should be looking at how we can tap into our collectively shared resources of the heart, the positive mind and the shared bonds that connect us. While contemplation only serves to outline the reality of the world, it fails to take action towards the issues we contemplate on. Going to therefore outline some extremely simple daily actions you can share with others to bridge the natural/fabricated gaps that exist between each other.
1. make today a day to say something positive to 5 people in your day who you usually don't communicate with regularly. Be creative with your approach..
2. Give a hug to a random person. It can be very uncomfortable at first, but with practice you will honestly begin to not care about their reaction, and focus more on the fact that love is being spread. and oh will you get some funny reactions. haha
3. write a positive card about life, about positive change, about the power of humanity coming together, put it in an envelope and hand it off to someone that you pass while walking on the street. at the end of the letter have instructions to pass it on to another person.
4. if you are a religious person, converse with people of other religions and focus discussion on the shared similarities and positive messages existant between faiths, building on global collaboration. This especially needs to happen between religions.
5. Exchange smiles while driving, walking, sitting at your desk. wherever you work, play make an effort to show people you!! A smile is like a persons book cover. It reveals what is beneath.. make that book cover damn beautiful and share smiles.
6. have read in scientific research that giving/recieving 5-10 hugs a day is groundbreaking in terms of positively effecting ones mood and those around.
7. Think positive. The thoughts we have on a daily basis, truly create the world we see. More positive our thinking becomes, the more beauty we will start to see grow around us.
Anywho, love love and more love!
As I sit here all kinds of thoughts of peace, love and diversity are racing through my head, thinking of the great potential that each individual human being has. While energy prospetors are looking to tap into new renewable resources, we should be looking at how we can tap into our collectively shared resources of the heart, the positive mind and the shared bonds that connect us. While contemplation only serves to outline the reality of the world, it fails to take action towards the issues we contemplate on. Going to therefore outline some extremely simple daily actions you can share with others to bridge the natural/fabricated gaps that exist between each other.
1. make today a day to say something positive to 5 people in your day who you usually don't communicate with regularly. Be creative with your approach..
2. Give a hug to a random person. It can be very uncomfortable at first, but with practice you will honestly begin to not care about their reaction, and focus more on the fact that love is being spread. and oh will you get some funny reactions. haha
3. write a positive card about life, about positive change, about the power of humanity coming together, put it in an envelope and hand it off to someone that you pass while walking on the street. at the end of the letter have instructions to pass it on to another person.
4. if you are a religious person, converse with people of other religions and focus discussion on the shared similarities and positive messages existant between faiths, building on global collaboration. This especially needs to happen between religions.
5. Exchange smiles while driving, walking, sitting at your desk. wherever you work, play make an effort to show people you!! A smile is like a persons book cover. It reveals what is beneath.. make that book cover damn beautiful and share smiles.
6. have read in scientific research that giving/recieving 5-10 hugs a day is groundbreaking in terms of positively effecting ones mood and those around.
7. Think positive. The thoughts we have on a daily basis, truly create the world we see. More positive our thinking becomes, the more beauty we will start to see grow around us.
Anywho, love love and more love!
CRASH
So Matt (from my IPMP program at
As we approached the hill up to my house, a car pulled out in front of us, cutting us off, causing the boda driver to come to a halt. He than failed to put the bike back in first gear, revved it and sent us all flying backwards, bike whipping into the air. Bam, crunch, my ass hits the pavement, matt lands on me, the guy lands on matt and the bike lands on the guy. It was rather shocking at first, especially with the onlookers laughing at us, no concern to be found. Within a split second I was up and walking hastily up the street to get away from the scene. Looking back I literally didn’t even take a second to make sure everyone was ok. Hopefully I can learn from this reaction and be more aware of the situation and those involved next time.
Just when we thought the crazy day was over, we were on another boda that day driving about 70 km in between traffic on both sides of the road. I had my bag held on the side with my hand on top. BAM!! My hand slams into the back of a car and the boda goes all wobbly. Thank god he regained balance. All in all no one got hurt, and its just one other crazy experience to add to the palette of life in
Hope you are all well.
Chat soon,
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