Monday, April 29, 2013

I'M A HUMAN BEING


The video shown below of Ronald Davis is from July 2012. The online community is trying to find Mr. Davis but, as yet as far as I know, no luck. There have been scammers setting up online fundraisers saying it's for him, but they've been discredited as being just that: scammers.

I'm posting this because this applies to SO MANY PEOPLE...people down on their luck in myriad ways, with others judging them harshly without knowing their story.

We rarely know another's story. Not really. So, in my most humble yet sincere opinion, we would do well to remember that, above all else, the stranger we encounter along our path who may be asking for our help in some way is a human being.

We need to be mindful of The Golden Rule.

It doesn't mean we are horrible people if we're cynical, but we must remember our Humanity, and see the Humanity in others. Maybe we can take the time to learn more about their story before making assumptions and judging others harshly.





NOTE:  I cannot figure out the new commenting system here on blogger to save my life, so if you would like to comment (and have me see it), please see this same blog post at Wishadoo:

http://www.wishadoo.org/blog/149/im-a-human-being/

Thanks!


Sunday, April 28, 2013

PLEASE TAKE OUR QUICK "COMPASSION POLL"





Thursday, April 18, 2013

LOVE IS THE ANSWER






Earlier today a friend mentioned this song.  
In the face of personal tragedy and loss, and witnessing the tragedy and loss all around us, this song from her youth came to mind.

"Love is the Answer," by England Dan and John Ford Coley

This song is from the 70's, but the words are perhaps even more pertinent today.  
The lyrics are included under the video.

Indeed, Love is always the answer.  Simple, not always easy.


Songwriters: RUNDGREN, TODD/POWELL, ROGER/SULTON, KASIM/WILCOX, JOHN
Name your price
A ticket to paradise
I can't stay here any more
And I've looked high and low
I've been from shore to shore to shore
If there's a short cut I'd have found it
But there ain't no easy way around it

Light of the world, shine on me
Love is the answer
Shine on us all
Set us free
Love is the answer

Who knows why
Someday we all must die
We're all homeless boys and girls
And we are never heard
It's such a lonely world
People turn their heads
And walk on by
Tell me is it worth just another try


Are we alive
Or just a dying planet
What are the chances
Ask the man in your heart for the answers
And when you feel afraid

Love one another
When you've lost your way
Love one another
And when you're all alone
Love one another
And when you're far from home
Love one another
And when you're down and out
Love one another
And when your hopes run out
Love one another
And when you need a friend
Love one another
We got to love one another

Tuesday, April 16, 2013

THIS IS MARTIN



This is Martin, 8.  He died in the Boston bombing yesterday. He was at the finish line with his family, waiting for his dad to cross. His mother and little sister were catastrophically injured. He was the student of Rachel Moo, who shared this image.

The poster says:  NO MORE HURTING PEOPLE.  PEACE.


Martin created this poster to convey his thoughts after Trayvon Martin was killed.

His message resonates powerfully today.

I'm sharing this as a way of tribute to his too-brief, but immeasurably valuable life by following his example.


(Seen on Facebook)


I want to share this message today as well:




~ Dena 



Monday, April 15, 2013

THE SIMPLE ACT of VALIDATION & ACKNOWLEDGEMENT

When you can spare five minutes, please use it to watch the touching video seen below.

It shows interaction between Naomi Feil, who developed what she has termed Validation Therapy for older people with cognitive impairments and dementia. In this video she is administering Validation Therapy to Gladys Wilson, an elderly Alzheimer's patient who is non-communicative.

The basic principle of the therapy is the concept of validation or the reciprocated communication of respect which communicates that the other's opinions are acknowledged, respected, heard, and (regardless whether or not the listener actually agrees with the content), they are being treated with genuine respect as a legitimate expression of their feelings, rather than marginalized or dismissed.

Don't we all crave such acknowledgement and validation? Don't we all deserve this?

This need isn't limited to those who are elderly or sick or suffering in some way. Indeed, it is believed that  needless suffering is often created as a result of the lack of validation and acknowledgement by other human beings.

To be acknowledged is to be seen, to be heard. We can acknowledge someone with a simple smile or greeting rather than look beyond them as though they do not exist. Whether it is a loved one, a friend, a co-worker, a neighbor, a clerk or server, strangers on the street or the bus, validate their existence with a hug, a smile, a "hello" or wave, or simply make eye contact. Acknowledge that you see them.

Truly listen when others speak, rather than formulate your reply without hearing them. Acknowledge that you hear them.

The simple act of validation and acknowledgement can change lives, and it's a simple act every single one of us has the ability to do when we encounter another human being.


Sunday, April 7, 2013

Jiffy (Cornbread Mix) Shows the Spirit of Wishadoo!


Today, I stumbled upon a wonderful article by Cory Suter of Policymic, which tells the story of one of America's oldest companies.  





"JIFFY" Mix is a product of Chelsea Milling Company, operated by a family whose roots in the flour milling business date back to the early 1800’s. They have been milling flour in Chelsea, Michigan, for over 120 years.

Mr. Suter's article shares why, in his view,  there are "7 Reasons This Muffin Mix Can Save America."  Here are the first three:

1. Jiffy mix sells over 55% of all muffin mixes in the United States, but doesn't spend a dime on advertising.
2. Jiffy mix denies Wall Street a chance to make money from other people's work.
3. Jiffy mix management treats their employees the way they would like to be treated.

I happen to agree and encourage you to read the entire article.  In fact, Mr. Howdy Holmes (CEO) and his company put Wishadoo!'s vision and values into action, combining a dedication to community, cooperation and compassion in practical, time-honored ways.


As Mr. Suter so astutely states, "One of the world's most widely recognized ethical standards is to do to others as you would have them do to you. By separating the owners and executives of companies from the communities where these same companies do business, the corporate structure of business has increasingly lost sight of this traditional American ethic. Cutting employee benefits and jobs to enrich Wall Street has become almost as common as hidden fees, and hiring lobbyists to gain unfair competitive advantages.

Small businesses and exceptional American companies like Jiffy mix, built our country's once-broadly shared prosperity. Sadly, thanks to Wall Street greed, large civic-minded companies are a dying breed. If all companies were as ethical as Jiffy mix, then most Americans could support the far right agenda to get rid of all the regulations. The best solutions are, of course, not so simple. We need commonsense protections from corporate abuse at the same time we need to scale back regulations that exist primarily to give big businesses advantages over competitors. Because, so few companies are like Jiffy mix, America needs a smart government of the people, by the people and for the people."

Indeed.  Kudos to Cory Suter.   Kudos to Policymic for being a platform for sharing the insight, thoughts and wisdom of Millenials, and HUGE kudos to JIFFY Mix for setting a brilliant example of integrity in business.