tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-34553440061203227912024-03-13T16:41:18.881-04:00Community Good BlogPutting care, compassion, cooperation, & community into actionUnknownnoreply@blogger.comBlogger36125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3455344006120322791.post-37565603899707352922015-05-15T08:54:00.002-04:002015-05-15T15:01:55.057-04:00Relaunch of Wishadoo! > > > OUR COMMUNITY GOOD<div style="background: white; line-height: 18pt; margin: 0in; vertical-align: baseline;">
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<span style="border: 1pt none windowtext; font-family: inherit; font-size: 11pt; padding: 0in;"><i><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="color: #38761d;">The content for this background section is taken from</span><span style="color: #38761d; font-weight: bold;"> "</span><a href="http://dena-patrick.blogspot.com/2015/04/i-believe-sharing-our-stories-is.html" target="_blank"><span style="color: blue;"><b>First and Foremost, We Must Care</b></span></a><b style="color: #38761d;">," </b><span style="color: #38761d;">used as a way to introduce </span><b><a href="http://ourgood.org/" target="_blank"><span style="color: blue;">Our Community Good</span></a><span style="color: #38761d;">'s</span></b><span style="color: #38761d;"> current projects for those of you unfamiliar with my work, my intentions and my vision. The full blog post at the link expands upon what I have learned over the last 8 years with</span><b style="color: #38761d;"> </b><a href="http://wishadoo.org/" target="_blank"><b><span style="color: blue;">Wishadoo!</span></b></a><b style="color: #38761d;"> (the Community Good Social Network)</b><span style="color: #38761d;">, the creation of the concept of</span><b style="color: #38761d;"> </b><a href="http://caregiverism.com/" style="font-weight: bold; text-decoration: none;"><span style="color: blue;">Caregiverism</span></a><span style="color: #38761d; font-weight: bold;">,</span><span style="color: #38761d;"> and what I need in order to move forward and expand this work.</span></span></i><br /><br /><span style="color: #4d4f51; font-family: 'PT Sans'; font-size: 15.3999996185303px; font-weight: bold;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial; line-height: 18pt;">Currently, </span><b style="font-family: Arial; line-height: 18pt;"><a href="http://ourgood.org/" style="color: #001f7f; text-decoration: none;" target="_blank"><span style="color: #38761d;">Our Community Good</span></a></b><span style="font-family: Arial; line-height: 18pt;"> (a Community Development Social Enterprise) offers the following projects which support the movement toward more caring, sustainable communities and meaningful lives:</span></div>
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<strong><span style="border: 1pt none windowtext; color: #4d4f51; font-family: inherit; padding: 0in;"><br />*</span></strong><span style="color: #4d4f51; font-family: Helvetica;"> </span><em><span style="border: 1pt none windowtext; color: #4d4f51; font-family: inherit; padding: 0in;">Offering the space to connect and put caring consciousness into action as a community is why</span></em><span style="font-family: Helvetica;"><span style="color: #4d4f51;"> </span><a href="http://wishadoo.org/" style="color: #001f7f; text-decoration: none;" target="_blank"><strong><span style="border: 1pt none windowtext; font-family: inherit; padding: 0in;"><span style="color: #38761d;">Wishadoo!, the Community Good Network</span></span></strong></a><span style="color: #4d4f51;"> </span></span><em><span style="border: 1pt none windowtext; color: #4d4f51; font-family: inherit; padding: 0in;">was created eight years ago. To connect as individuals and as communities and networks and as a Caring Citizenry. Can you imagine the impact if Facebook, Ebay, Craigslist and other popular platforms were created with these express intentions? Wishadoo is a social network platform which combines all of these features and more, built upon a foundation of respect, integrity and care.</span></em><span style="color: #4d4f51; font-family: Helvetica;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<strong><span style="border: 1pt none windowtext; color: #4d4f51; font-family: inherit; padding: 0in;">* </span></strong><span style="color: #4d4f51; font-family: Helvetica;"> </span><em><span style="border: 1pt none windowtext; color: #4d4f51; font-family: inherit; padding: 0in;">Offering hope, inspiration and care-based solutions by sharing examples of Caregiverism is why the online </span></em><span style="font-family: Helvetica;"><a href="http://communitygood.org/" style="color: #001f7f; text-decoration: none;" target="_blank"><span style="color: #38761d;"><strong><span style="border: 1pt none windowtext; font-family: inherit; padding: 0in;">Community Good</span></strong><em><span style="border: 1pt none windowtext; font-family: inherit; padding: 0in;"> </span></em><strong><span style="border: 1pt none windowtext; font-family: inherit; padding: 0in;">Magazine</span></strong></span></a></span><span class="apple-converted-space"><i><span style="border: 1pt none windowtext; color: #4d4f51; font-family: inherit; padding: 0in;"> </span></i></span><em><span style="border: 1pt none windowtext; color: #4d4f51; font-family: inherit; padding: 0in;">was created. "Local Good" will be an exemplar for a community-based, community-owned "good news" multimedia enterprise.</span></em><span style="color: #4d4f51; font-family: Helvetica;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<strong><span style="border: 1pt none windowtext; color: #4d4f51; font-family: inherit; padding: 0in;">* </span></strong><em><span style="border: 1pt none windowtext; color: #4d4f51; font-family: inherit; padding: 0in;">Providing a truly comprehensive directory where one can find existing avenues of care and assistance, as well as find inspiring projects and ventures which are examples of Caregiverism is why the </span></em><span style="font-family: Helvetica;"><a href="http://findhelp.info/" style="color: #001f7f; text-decoration: none;" target="_blank"><span style="color: #38761d;"><strong><span style="border: 1pt none windowtext; font-family: inherit; padding: 0in;">Community</span></strong><em><span style="border: 1pt none windowtext; font-family: inherit; padding: 0in;"> </span></em><strong><span style="border: 1pt none windowtext; font-family: inherit; padding: 0in;">Good Directory</span></strong></span></a></span><em><span style="border: 1pt none windowtext; color: #4d4f51; font-family: inherit; padding: 0in;"> was created. <span style="font-size: 15.3999996185303px;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></em></div>
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<strong><span style="border: 1pt none windowtext; color: #4d4f51; font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; padding: 0in;">All of the above projects currently exist – I am not speaking in hypotheticals. I am rebranding each separate project or division to have the Community Good label, to show that each puzzle piece is part of the Community Good family of initiatives. </span></strong><span style="color: #4d4f51; font-family: Arial;"> </span><br />
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<span style="color: #4d4f51; font-family: Arial;">They are global projects, with an initial national focus (<st1:country-region w:st="on"><st1:place w:st="on">US</st1:place></st1:country-region>), and each complement one another and are symbiotic.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #4d4f51; font-family: Arial;">In addition to fostering more caring, compassionate action, they serve the purpose of integrating the many fragments I perceive in community development work and activism (fragmentation and the resultant inefficiency is something which drives me a bit crazy). The projects and initiatives are in various stages of development, with Wishadoo! having achieved proof of concept over the last 8 years, through several incarnations. It worked so well that I now must hire help in order to continue. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial;"><span style="color: #4d4f51;">Other initiatives waiting in the wings under the </span><strong><span style="border: 1pt none windowtext; padding: 0in;"><a href="http://ourgood.org/" style="color: #001f7f; text-decoration: none;" target="_blank"><span style="color: #38761d;">Our Good</span></a></span></strong><span style="color: #4d4f51;"> umbrella have all been designed to cultivate and support our evolution toward a caring consciousness and Culture of Care. </span><br /><br /><span style="color: #4d4f51;">I am currently exploring partnerships and funding opportunities for job creation to support expansion of my vision of Doing Good.</span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial;"><span style="color: #4d4f51;">Please note that collaboration in support of other organizations, projects and endeavors has always been central to my intentions and vision. I am especially passionate about social enterprise, cooperatives, and women-owned ventures which foster the mission of cultural transformation. <span style="font-size: 11pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></span></div>
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<span style="color: orange; font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><b>STRUCTURE:</b></span><br />
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<a href="http://www.wishadoo.org/" style="color: #001f7f; text-decoration: none;">http:/communitygood.org</a> <a href="http://findhelp.info/" style="color: #001f7f; text-decoration: none;">http:/communitygood.info</a> <a href="http://communitygood.org/" style="color: #001f7f; text-decoration: none;">http://communitygood.</a>us</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhqpjsVVlyRyMBf2zLpVjHY_Hn6FpyCfDZWAXTqrbSkbC_BgbMe7NHPmmCd6FoF_yDAfkAYFrsRyPnZABOIkPPJxLKjVoHbAr3efIMelh1IhoTY1SqInyu_9YnFLswg9MicsLttEoe2HYJ4/s1600/under-org-chart.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; color: #001f7f; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-decoration: none;"><img border="0" height="468" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhqpjsVVlyRyMBf2zLpVjHY_Hn6FpyCfDZWAXTqrbSkbC_BgbMe7NHPmmCd6FoF_yDAfkAYFrsRyPnZABOIkPPJxLKjVoHbAr3efIMelh1IhoTY1SqInyu_9YnFLswg9MicsLttEoe2HYJ4/s640/under-org-chart.png" style="-webkit-box-shadow: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.0980392) 1px 1px 5px; background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; border: 1px solid rgb(238, 238, 238); box-shadow: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.0980392) 1px 1px 5px; padding: 5px; position: relative;" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">(There are revenue-generating models for each individual project, with the intention for each to be a self-sustaining social enterprise, once initial funding for job creation [to support expansion] is raised.)</span> </div>
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<b> </b><b><span style="font-size: 24pt;">SYMBIOSIS</span></b><b style="line-height: 18.4799995422363px;"> </b><br />
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<a href="http://ourgood.org/" style="color: #001f7f; text-decoration: none;" target="_blank"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi8ZDaBklQs7B21CL93jcykqnjVq5Qt-vQXMHd0au3y2RklgDGh4tQD7oos12jYte8ot4vDvY4Dwr3lEYBu6ItOWJT_BFjEx6nMETc4bngjdDGd4Hjgbh3JHh9ZE_qQtrBx7C-_vOh8lp0o/s320/Chart-revised.png" style="-webkit-box-shadow: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.0980392) 1px 1px 5px; background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; border: 1px solid rgb(238, 238, 238); box-shadow: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.0980392) 1px 1px 5px; padding: 5px; position: relative;" width="319" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: 'Arial Narrow'; font-size: 15.3999996185303px;"><br /></span><b><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">When people find their way to Wishadoo! (The Community Good Social Network), The Community Good Magazine, or the Community Good Directory, they will discover the other interconnected projects. </span></b></div>
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<span lang="EN" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">If they first land at <b>Wishadoo!</b>, they will find a social network platform offering the tools to create more caring communities. Included in member activity is the sharing of content (similar to Facebook). They will see articles from the <b>Community Good Magazine</b> shared in their feed, inspiring discussion, action, and visioning. The member activity at Wishadoo! can also be the source of articles at the Community Good magazine, as well as the source of resources added to the <b>Community Good Directory</b>.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="EN" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">If they first land at the<b> Community Good Magazine</b>, they will find a</span><span lang="EN"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> free digital media resource with original and curated content intended to inspire, raise awareness, prompt discussion and solutions. They will learn about Wishadoo!, where we gather to have ongoing discussion about articles, projects and issues mentioned in the magazine articles. Wishadoo! is also where we connect to others with similar interests, expanding and deepening community. The organizations, agencies, projects and enterprises mentioned in the magazine articles are often added to the Community Good Directory.<br /><span style="color: #38761d;"><br /></span>If they first land at the <b>Community Good Directory</b>, they will find the first comprehensive resource directory encompassing social services as well as "good" finds, such as community gardens, cooperatives, community banks, and so much more. From here they will discover both Wishadoo! and Community Good Magazine.</span><span style="font-family: 'PT Sans'; font-size: 15.3999996185303px;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<b><span lang="EN" style="font-family: 'Arial Narrow';"><span style="font-size: large;">See? It's all connected.</span><span style="font-size: 18pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></b></div>
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<b><span lang="EN" style="color: orange; font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">NOW. HERE IS WHAT I NEED.</span></b><br />
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<span style="color: #666666; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; line-height: 21.5599994659424px;">In order to move forward with these projects, all of which are still </span><b style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; line-height: 21.5599994659424px; text-decoration: none;"><span style="color: blue;"><a href="http://caregiverism.blogspot.com/2015/04/apathy-kills-who-cares-part-i.html" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; line-height: 21.5599994659424px; text-decoration: none;"><span style="color: blue;">desperately needed</span></a> in our society</span></b><span style="color: #666666; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; line-height: 21.5599994659424px;">, I must have help. While volunteers and interns can supplement this help, I need a reliable team before I can consider relaunching. As mentioned earlier, Wishadoo! is a proven model; it worked so well that it became overwhelming for me, even with volunteers.</span><br />
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<span lang="EN" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br />I have always envisioned creating job opportunities, especially for those who are homebound for any number of reasons, including those on disability who need supplemental income as well as homebound caregivers who also need extra income.<br /><br />Over the last year I have explored a variety of funding mechanisms and legal structures for Our Good (in order to make use of various funding mechanism)s, but I come back to where I was at the very start: Raising funds via cooperative membership. From there, with a team in place, the revenue-generating models for each endeavor can work to be implemented, making Our Good a self-sustaining social enterprise, with both member-owned and worker-owned cooperatives in place.</span></div>
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<li><span lang="EN" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; line-height: 21.5599994659424px;">Because Our Community Good is <u>not</u> a start-up, impact investors are nowhere to be found.</span></li>
<li><span lang="EN" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; line-height: 21.5599994659424px;">Because I am a woman, who is over 30, impact investors are nowhere to be found.</span></li>
<li><span lang="EN" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; line-height: 21.5599994659424px;">Philanthropic foundation funding is either unavailable because Our Good has a broad agenda, not niche, or it will take at least one year to be approved for said funding.</span></li>
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<span lang="EN" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br />I envision raising the initial funding via cooperative membership for individuals. (I am also exploring business membership.)<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="EN"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: x-large;"><i>First, please know that most of the tools at Wishadoo! will remain available to anyone who joins -- for free. Being a co-op investor would offer <u>additional benefits</u> (to be explained in my next communication) and <u>a voice/vote</u>.</i></span><br /><br /><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">While I anticipate membership being only $25/year (with funding for those who cannot afford that but wish to participate in the co-op), this initial seed funding will be for $150. <b>The ONLY reason I am doing it this way -- $150 instead of $25 -- is to weed out anyone who may want to disrupt this caring community. </b>(Sadly, this type of disruption exists, which is why transforming online culture, given the influence of online activity, is a key area of focus for me.)<br /><br />The minimum contribution of $150 provides <u>6 </u>co-op memberships; the investor can select the other 5 people to participate in growing the community, or donate the membership to the general fund offering free membership. Renewal will only be $25/year henceforth.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span lang="EN" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">IDEALLY, I would like to raise at least $100k, and here is the breakdown:<br /><br />$60k - (3) part-time administrative support positions, one for each project, @ $15/hr<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="EN" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">$10k - IT upgrades and support; mobile app development for the projects<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span lang="EN">$5k - Expenses for one year (web hosting, domain renewals, marketing, legal)<br /><br />$25k - I have bootstrapped everything for 8 years, but have been helped by several people who have </span>granted me personal loans, and I desperately want to pay them back. Additionally, the IT team who has helped me all these years has done so out of the kindness of their hearts. I would like to be able to offer them $5k as a token of gratitude, even though they have no doubt provided at least $20k worth of services thus far.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Even though people can invest more than $150 (to provide for even more member|owners), less than 700 people would be needed to invest $150 in order to achieve the $100k goal…or 333 people at $300…or 200 people at $500…or 100 people at $1000. Or any combination thereof. I will structure the fundraiser accordingly.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: x-large;"><i>However it manifests, the end result is relaunch of a much-needed service, job creation, and exponential expansion of a new type of community, one which values a Culture of Care <b>and</b> puts it into action. </i></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Before I create a fundraiser, I have created a survey to try to determine how many people may be interested in being part of this seed funding investment of the Our Community Good Co-operative.
If you are someone for whom $150 (or more) is a reasonable expenditure for "funding good" -- and creating free membership/ownership for those who cannot afford this initial minimum funding amount -- please click this link to take the survey:</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><a href="https://www.surveymonkey.com/s/CCRCXV9" target="_blank"><span style="color: blue;"><b>https://www.surveymonkey.com/s/CCRCXV9</b></span><span style="color: #666666;"> </span></a></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="color: #666666;"><br /></span>
<span style="color: #666666;">Please share this with anyone you feel may be interested. </span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> ~ Dena</span></div>
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D. Patrickhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03820932934212637429noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3455344006120322791.post-19991928427091329412014-07-06T12:34:00.001-04:002014-07-06T14:07:51.999-04:00On Interbeing, Faith in Humanity, and Knowing that You Matter<div class="MsoNormal">
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Like so many things we see posted online, shared across
social media and via email, I've recently seen yet another cycle of sharing regarding
the <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Babemba" target="_blank"><b>Babemba or Bemba</b></a> tribe of Africa, who make their home in areas of Africa
including <st1:country-region w:st="on">Zambia</st1:country-region> and the <st1:country-region w:st="on">Congo</st1:country-region>. It
speaks of a practice which is extraordinarily profound and touching. <br />
<br />
Being a frustrated research librarian at heart, I usually explore the origin and legitimacy of a message and information before sharing. If the message shared
is negative or accuses someone of some group or some group of being harmful in
any way, I most certainly want to be sure the information and message is correct. When it is a positive
message, I personally don't care if there is factual evidence behind it; I am
able to take the lessons within the message to heart without a need to have facts to support or affirm the wisdom in the message. In the case of the viral sharings referring to the Babemba tribe, I researched in order to give proper
credit for the message, not because I questioned the validity of the wisdom contained within. (From the myriad posts I sifted
through, what I found is that this story is originally from the book, "Contact:
The First Four Minutes," by Leonard Sunin, which is out of print.)<br />
<br />
The results of my search were striking, though not surprising, and fairly indicative of how <a href="http://communitygood.org/" target="_blank"><b>positive news</b></a> and messages are often received. I would say half of the people seem to appreciate the clear,
simple wisdom contained within and don't necessarily care if it is based in
fact or fiction. Others condemn the message, and those who share it, as being
false, fictional, ridiculous and assorted profane adjectives (it is the
Internet, after all). Because there are horrors taking place, specifically in that part of the world, many people refuse to believe there is also good. It seems to me that many people view the world as black or white...no shades of gray.<br />
<br />
What I propose is that we consider "What If?" What if the message is based in truth? What if the story itself is a factual representation of a practice of another culture, not even the Babemba tribe? What if more of us could put this practice into action, regardless of the origins or validity of the story? <br />
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<h3>
What if
we choose to have more faith in Humanity and believe that a more compassionate,
mindful, peaceful way of being in this world is possible, if only within our
own small circles, at least at first?</h3>
<br />
What follows is the more comprehensive version of the viral message I have seen:<br />
<br />
<i>In the Babemba tribe of <st1:country-region w:st="on">South
Africa</st1:country-region>, when a person acts irresponsibly or
unjustly, he/she is placed in the center of the village, alone and unfettered. All
work ceases, and every man, woman and child in the village gathers in a large
circle around the accused individual. Then each person in the tribe, regardless
of age, begins to talk out loud to the accused, one at a time, about all the
good things the person in the center of the circle has done in his/her lifetime. Every
incident, every experience that can be recalled with any detail and accuracy is
recounted. All positive attributes, good deeds, strengths and kindnesses
are recited carefully and at length. No one is permitted to fabricate,
exaggerate or be facetious about his/her accomplishments or the positive aspects of
his/her personality. The tribal ceremony often lasts several days and does not
cease until everyone is drained of every positive comment he can muster about
the person in question. At the end the tribal circle is broken, a joyous
celebration takes place, and the person symbolically and literally is welcomed back into the tribe.</i><br />
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<b>Can you imagine if this were put into practice in other cultures? No, really -- can you? It would create a drastic transformation in our societies.</b><br />
<br />
Another tidbit which often accompanies the Babemba message,
though not necessarily attributed to them (often cited as being a South African
saying), is this:<br />
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<h3>
<i><b>
Shikoba Nabajyotisaikia</b></i></h3>
<h3>
<i><b><br /></b></i><i><b>
Nabajyotisaikia is a compliment said to mean: “I respect you, I cherish you.
You matter to me.”</b></i><i><b><br /></b></i><i><b><br />
</b></i></h3>
<h3>
<i><b>In response, one replies with "Shikoba," which means, "So I
exist for you."</b></i></h3>
<br />
I adore that. I absolutely adore that. <b>To know that we matter in this world,
and matter to those around us, is perhaps one of the basic needs and desires each of us has in common. To be acknowledged as existing…to be seen and heard…is often
all we are really seeking in our day-to-day lives. To tell someone that they
matter to you can be a tremendous gift. To hear someone say that you matter to
them is a blessing.</b><br />
<br />
Another term more people are becoming aware of is <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ubuntu_(philosophy)" target="_blank"><b>Ubuntu</b></a>, also attributed to the Banta peoples of the South African region. It is difficult to
translate into English but one way it is explained is simply this: <br />
<br />
<h3>
<i><b>Ubuntu is the essence of being human, our
interconnectedness. </b></i></h3>
<br />
<b>Archbishop Tutu:</b> <i>“Ubuntu speaks of the very essence
of being human. When we say someone has Ubuntu, then you are generous, you are
hospitable, you are friendly and caring and compassionate. You share what you
have. It is to say, 'My humanity is caught up, is inextricably bound up,
in yours.' We belong in a bundle of life. We say, "A person is a
person through other persons."</i><br />
<i>
<br />
A person with Ubuntu is open and available to others, affirming of others, does
not feel threatened that others are able and good, for he or she has a proper
self-assurance that comes from knowing that he or she belongs in a greater
whole and is diminished when others are humiliated or diminished, when others
are tortured or oppressed, or treated as if they were less than who they are.”</i><br />
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<b>Nelson Mandela</b> describes it as:<br />
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<i>"A traveler through a country would stop at a village and he
didn't have to ask for food or for water. Once he stops, the people give him
food, entertain him. That is one aspect of Ubuntu but it will have various
aspects. Ubuntu does not mean that people should not enrich themselves. The
question therefore is: Are you going to do so in order to enable the community
around you to be able to improve?"</i></div>
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<br />
Regardless of the origins, translations, myriad attributions or factual
elements, all of these messages contain a a simple truth: They speak to our interconnectedness -- our Interbeing -- what I personally embrace as my one <a href="http://www.practicalcompassionnow.com/2014/06/my-one-personal-absolute-truth.html" target="_blank"><b>Absolute Truth</b></a>. <br />
<br />
I'm honored to share such messages as they cycle through
these interwebs. <span style="font-family: Wingdings; mso-ascii-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-char-type: symbol; mso-hansi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-symbol-font-family: Wingdings;">J</span><br />
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<h3>
<b>I wish you Ubuntu and Shikoba Nabajyotisaikia!</b></h3>
<h3>
<b><br /></b><b>And I sincerely want you to know that YOU MATTER in this world.</b></h3>
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Thank you for reading. <br />
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<br />
~ Dena<br />
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D. Patrickhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03820932934212637429noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3455344006120322791.post-2268259669306966652014-02-19T09:47:00.000-05:002014-02-19T10:38:01.151-05:00Let's get TEAM USA to help animals here in the US!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ICgOwk_6jbw/UwTC62mm2-I/AAAAAAAAE3U/wAnhMOCoNMc/s1600/olympics2014.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ICgOwk_6jbw/UwTC62mm2-I/AAAAAAAAE3U/wAnhMOCoNMc/s1600/olympics2014.png" height="320" width="281" /></a></div>
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<b style="background-color: white; font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;">I'M ASKING FOR YOUR HELP IN SHARING THIS GRAPHIC and accompanying message. It's a long shot but we can try to make it viral, right?</b><span style="background-color: white; font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;"> </span><br />
<br style="background-color: white; font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;" />
<span style="background-color: white; font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;">This idea came to me about an hour ago after reading yet <a href="http://www.huffingtonpost.ca/2014/02/18/sochi-dog-adoption-us-olympic-team_n_4808305.html" target="_blank"><b>another post</b></a> about athletes adopting Sochi strays (which is wonderful!). I'm trying to get helping sharing it in the hope that we can actually get someone's attention -- someone who may be able to propose this to Team USA PR/community development people. If you're on twitter or other social media and can perhaps bombard any individuals or groups...rescue groups, athletes, celebrities or otherwise...to put this idea on the table for consideration for TEAM USA, I would greatly appreciate it. </span><br />
<br style="background-color: white; font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;" />
<span style="background-color: white; font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;">Maybe our Olympic athletes can be leaders in the realm of animal welfare and get other Olympic teams to follow in more compassionate footsteps. Unfortunately, it's often easier to engage human beings to have compassion for furry friends rather than fellow humans. Many of us are tackling that as well, but for now I'm asking for your help in supporting this idea by simply sharing this. </span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;"><br /></span>
<span style="background-color: white; font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;"><br /></span>
<b style="background-color: white; font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;">#olympianssaveanimals<br /><br /><br />www.wishadoo.org</b><br />
<b style="background-color: white; font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;"><br />Wishadoo! on Facebook: <a href="http://www.facebook.com/wishadoo" target="_blank">https://www.facebook.com/wishadoo</a><br /><br />Wishadoo! on twitter: <a href="http://twitter.com/wishadool3c" target="_blank">https://twitter.com/wishadool3c</a><br /><br />Wishadoo! on Pinterest: <a href="http://www.pinterest.com/Wishadoo/" target="_blank">http://www.pinterest.com/Wishadoo/</a> </b><span style="background-color: white; font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;"></span><br />
<br />
<span style="background-color: white; font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;">We're getting ready to relaunch Wishadoo! as a community-owned cooperative, with more of a focus on building the community itself rather than promoting the individual tools available to put MEANINGFUL compassionate action into practice. I can tell you now there will be a deepening to it all, with a strong focus on Interbeing|InterconnectednesI|Interdependence, not just humans but the Earth and all beings.</span><span style="background-color: white; font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;"><br /><br />With Gratitude,</span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;"><br /></span>
<span style="background-color: white; font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;">Dena | <a href="http://about.me/denapatrick" target="_blank">About Me</a></span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;"><br /></span>
<span style="background-color: white; font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;"><br /></span>
<span style="background-color: white; font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;"><br /></span>D. Patrickhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03820932934212637429noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3455344006120322791.post-60105252198821515682014-02-14T10:24:00.000-05:002014-02-14T10:29:18.538-05:00DO YOU LOVE YOU?<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEit1LOpaoMriznyQsI3AQ8KIcRt9qk6DCltuYSUbRWg9AY-BLPs00M5J2h441bPCg1UMBDT0Y6T91zCa_CfLcDPtbKH2GaceBqUsULin1-JcwygQlqEytWwgoKYHcVdZMbBs7TR-LH4_ob0/s1600/doyouloveyou.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEit1LOpaoMriznyQsI3AQ8KIcRt9qk6DCltuYSUbRWg9AY-BLPs00M5J2h441bPCg1UMBDT0Y6T91zCa_CfLcDPtbKH2GaceBqUsULin1-JcwygQlqEytWwgoKYHcVdZMbBs7TR-LH4_ob0/s1600/doyouloveyou.png" height="320" width="276" /></a></div>
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(<a href="http://www.wishadoo.org/blog/163/do-you-love-you/" target="_blank">Original post at Wishadoo.org</a>)<br /><br />It's <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Valentine%27s_day" target="_blank">Valentine's
Day</a> -- February 14, 2014 – and love, love, love is in the air. One day
each year we're surrounded by talk of love and bear witness to ways of
expressing our love for one another. </div>
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A few days ago a dear friend posed a question which elicited
a rather unusual reply from me. I didn't realize it as I began
composing my reply, but what I ended up sharing was a revelation about my core
personal beliefs. In keeping with the intention to deepen my work, I'm sharing
this interaction and my feelings about love this Valentine's Day.</div>
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The question posed by my friend, who was in a state of
emotional distress, involved seeking spiritual guidance and the most effective,
meaningful way to do that.</div>
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(Spiritual. See, merely typing that word here,
publicly, is a shift for me and part of the deepening of which I speak. I have
always considered myself spiritual though not religious. What I mean by that is
that I, personally, feel I have a direct connection with ______ [insert your
chosen word here; I really don't have a word, which may be why I have avoided
discussing in depth in the past]. I genuinely respect most people
who follow a religious path or specific spiritual path, as well as those who
claim the labels of atheist and agnostic. I see it all as a choice; we're each
making a choice as to what we believe regarding the realm of the unseen and
deeper meaning. I am one of those annoying people who freely admits I do not know anything,
and I'm okay with that.)</div>
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Back to my friend's question…</div>
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We have quite a few spiritual friends in common, so I knew
she would receive a lot of very helpful, specific guidance regarding others'
practices and beliefs.</div>
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Yet her question triggered something within me and prompted
me to dig deep and explore why most religious and/or spiritual paths don't
resonate wholly with me on a personal level.</div>
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Here is what I wrote:</div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><i>Do you believe, or can you open to the possibility, that
part of your Being is pure love and sheer perfection? You...the unique soul
imprint we know as _____. Your Highest Self, as I call it.</i></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><i>Like you, I also tend to get caught up in words: God,
Spirit, The Universe...and get lost when I try to envision or describe
God, Spirit, The Universe. So much is beyond our ability to comprehend, imho; I
can't begin to put what I choose to believe into words.<br />
<br />
When I simply go within and tap into myself, for lack of better words, and
trust that part of Who I Am is Pure Love and all the wonderful qualities we
attribute to God, Spirit, The Universe, that works for me.<br />
<br />
I am more comfortable with myself than with any other being, and I believe we
are each manifestations of God/Spirit/The Universe. So, I ask, I beg, I pray, I
set intentions, I express gratitude...I convene with my Highest Self, trusting
that in doing so I'm also convening with God/Spirit/The Universe. I have an
unshakable belief in our Interbeing with all life.<br />
<br />
To me, it's a much more simple, direct line of communication, with familiarity,
and takes away some of the discomfort, confusion and perhaps even a sense of
unworthiness that I sensed in your post when seeking guidance.<br />
<br />
I wouldn't ever, ever be afraid to ask something of myself. </i></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><i>I love myself. I may get disappointed and even disgusted
with myself at times but, all in all, I truly and deeply love myself.</i></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><i>I sincerely hope you love you, my friend. I
love you.</i></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
I found myself in tears after I wrote that. I felt such
tremendous love for myself. No, really, I did. I know it sounds weird, and I'm
sharing this precisely because I don't think it should sound or feel weird.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
We so often speak of self-love and showing compassion for
ourselves and really feeling it, not just saying the words. Over the last
few weeks I've been mindful of saying, out loud, "I love you, Dena."
At first it was awkward, but I broke through the awkward stage, and when I
wrote my thoughts to my friend I experienced one of those euphoric moments in
which I truly felt it…not only for myself but for my friend and all
beings. <br />
<br />
Now, don't get me wrong. Many people view me as some touchy-feely, hippie,
kumbaya person who espouses "love and light" for everyone and
everything, so when I express disdain for someone's actions, they accuse me of
being a hypocrite.<br />
<br />
The love of which I speak here doesn't translate into me wanting to develop a
relationship with every person I meet; there are people I have removed from my
life because I view them as toxic, to put it mildly. Removing them from my life
is the most loving action I can take for myself and the person involved.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
That said, on that "higher" level – the aspect of
me that embodies the highest level of my own humanity -- I can say I sincerely
love them, as I don't believe they are "evil" or "bad"
people in their heart of hearts. I believe we are intrinsically connected
and interdependent in an energetic sense, so I most definitely wish them well
and certainly do not wish them any harm.<br />
<br />
But I have zero interest in having them in my life, as I strongly dislike
aspects of who they are and how they behave and how it all affects me.<br />
<br />
I also believe many people who claim to be atheist or agnostic feel this same
sense of Interbeing and interconnectedness of which I speak, without being able
to (or perhaps without needing to) articulate it. They recognize that all
beings – all humans and all creatures and the Earth herself – are
interconnected and interdependent.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
I will share more soon about my experiences which have led
to this unshakable belief in the interconnectedness of all beings, our Interbeing,
as it is the foundation of how I have navigated my journey through life thus
far.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
My belief in Interbeing is contrasted with the real
experience of what I refer to as "othering." Whenever we feel a
sense of disconnection and subsequently treat other beings accordingly – or
experience this treatment ourselves -- the result is usually tremendous
pain and suffering. <a href="http://www.wishadoo.org/">Wishadoo!</a> was
created to provide a space to connect in an attempt to heal our pain and
suffering, and then to inject more joy into our human experience.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
In considering my friend's question, I realized that my
perception of many spiritual and religious paths involves othering -- a
disconnection or externalization of one's faith as being separate from
ourselves as individuals. Many believe the origins and core essence of most
belief systems and religions are steeped in authentic Universal Love, yet
putting those beliefs into practice – including how we pray and convene with
Spirit (I'll use that word here) – has become complicated and now seems to
require an intermediary of sorts, be it in the form of sacred scripture,
clergy, specific rituals, specific prayers, etc. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
(Please know that I realize each person's beliefs are very
personal and unique, so I'm not trying to make a blanket statement; I'm sharing
my own perceptions and my feelings. Our connection to All That Is is part of my
belief in Interbeing, and resultant sensitivity to the pain of disconnection
and othering.)</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
For those of you who do believe in God/Spirit/The Universe,
I ask you to please consider the possibility that you may "other"
Spirit at times when you doubt your direct connection.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
I ask you to please consider the possibility that you may
"other" yourself in a multitude of ways more often than you'd like to
admit.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
I ask you to take a moment to sit quietly and ask yourself: </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<h2>
"Do I love me?" </h2>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b>Tell yourself you do. Say it out loud, even if it doesn't
feel sincere at first and even if you feel extraordinarily awkward.<br />
<br />
"I love you, _____."<br />
<!--[if !supportLineBreakNewLine]--><br />
<!--[endif]--></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b>Say it until you believe it. Do the inner work that
makes it possible, that makes it authentic.</b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b><br />
And know that you are loved.<br />
<br />
I say with a full, wide-open heart that I love me.<br />
<br />
I also love you.<br />
<br />
I love All That Is.</b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b>Happy Valentine's Day.<br />
<br />
<!--[if !supportLineBreakNewLine]--><br />
<!--[endif]--></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b>~ Dena</b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<!--[if !supportLineBreakNewLine]--><br />
<!--[endif]--></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
P.S. – The hit song by A Great Big World, <i>Say Something</i>, has really struck
a cord with people of all ages (see <a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=16brqLJVIIY" target="_blank">4-year-old's
emotional reaction</a>). I can't really tell why it touches people so
deeply; perhaps it's a very unique, individual reaction for each of us. I
find it poignant yet exquisite in its simplicity. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br />
I ask you to listen to the song and try not to take it too literally; imagine
singing this to yourself. Don't walk away from yourself, don't give up on
yourself. Say something...loving to yourself. (refresh page if video
doesn't show)</div>
<br />
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<br /></div>
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D. Patrickhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03820932934212637429noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3455344006120322791.post-17147426873216567402013-07-20T14:07:00.002-04:002013-07-21T21:39:51.405-04:00The Extraordinary Lack of Empathy in the Case of Trayvon Martin<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-9FZqwPFFIaw/UerR0GlKZUI/AAAAAAAAEjM/W2lvOJbTDX8/s1600/trayvon-Marley.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-9FZqwPFFIaw/UerR0GlKZUI/AAAAAAAAEjM/W2lvOJbTDX8/s320/trayvon-Marley.jpg" width="218" /></a></div>
<br />
I've seen this graphic shared quite a bit in my social media circles in the last few days, with white friends and family members asking why white people who are victims of crimes committed by black people don't get the same media attention and comments by the President.<br />
<br />
The answer, in short, is because there is no comparison. In the other horrific instances, such as the case of young <a href="http://www.abcnews4.com/category/243360/marley-lion" target="_blank"><b>Marley Lion</b></a>, an investigation began immediately, and the alleged perpetrators apprehended, charged and jailed. The system worked. <br />
<br />
Not so in the case of Trayvon Martin. With Trayvon, the police were aware of the killing, but there was no charge until there was national pressure. The Trayvon Martin case made national news due to the perceived inaction by the Sanford Police Department. <br />
<br />
There is room for outrage in all instances of violent crime, but when a proper investigation takes place, resulting in finding and arresting those responsible, being outraged that your loved one's death was essentially ignored isn't one of the outcries.<br />
<br />
In the case of Trayvon Martin, this was indeed the initial outrage. <br />
<br />
Even though empathy has been in my awareness from the start -- because I am someone who takes the time to try to put myself in the shoes of another -- I haven't totally immersed myself in the details of this hypothetical question:<br />
<br />
In the case of Trayvon Martin, even empathy has been in my awareness from the start -- because I am someone who takes the time to try to put myself in the shoes of another -- I have resisted totally immersing myself in the details of the hypothetical question:<br />
<br />
<h3>
What if what happened to Trayvon Martin that evening happened to my child?</h3>
<br />
I have resisted because to imagine that is too emotionally difficult. I do know what it's like to lose a child -- through no fault, no one was responsible -- and to willingly attempt to walk myself through what Trayvon Martin's parents experienced (understanding that I will never come close to understanding what they truly experienced and feel) is something I've avoided.<br />
<br />
The negative, angry reaction from a significant segment of the US population to President Obama's remarks yesterday regarding racial issues shows many things, but the first thing which comes to mind is the extraordinary empathy deficit he spoke of many years ago. The lack of empathy I see in many places, from many people...the lack of willingness to even ATTEMPT to empathize...made me take the time to imagine this hell.<br />
<br />
I come away devastated and heartbroken.<br />
<br />
<h3>
<b>Which is precisely how so many within the black community have felt this past week.</b> </h3>
<br />
It's all too easy for people of color in general to imagine Trayvon is their child. (That was <a href="http://www.cnn.com/2013/07/19/politics/obama-zimmerman-verdict" target="_blank">Obama's point</a>, people. By the way, it's not race baiting to encourage having a respectful conversation. Claiming this is race baiting says a lot more about the people saying it than they realize.) The life of a black person is simply very different from mine, as a white person. What happened from the very start, through to the verdict, is something most black parents could identify with acutely.<br />
<br />
When the adult carrying a loaded weapon who chose to follow a 17-year-old on February 26, 2012 -- a 17-year-old doing nothing wrong whatsoever at 7:15 or so that evening -- ended up suffering no consequences as a result of his lethal choices that night, it led to national mourning on the part of people of color. What we are witnessing is primal pain and mourning, more than anger.<br />
<br />
That's where the empathy President Obama is asking for comes in. No, a white person such as I doesn't understand what it means to be a person of color in America in 2013 (though I do know the mindset of a racist, having grown up in a racist environment<span style="font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;"><span style="line-height: 19.5px;">).</span></span> No one knows the unique grief of Sybrina Fulton and Tracy Martin. But I know what it's like to want to protect my child.<br />
<br />
Below is my attempt to walk through this nightmare; not step by step of the path followed by Trayvon's parents, but merely the most obvious steps along this nightmarish journey. I would ask all of you who are parents, wondering why this has gotten so much attention, to consider doing the same.<br />
<br />
* * * *<br />
<br />
If my child had been visiting someone, doing nothing wrong at all, and was simply returning at a reasonable time (7:15 PM) from buying snacks, and the next thing I know is that my child has been shot and is dead -- and the person who admittedly shot her was free to go (after they did a drug tox screen on my daughter but not the shooter) -- I'd raise my voice and beg and plead and pitch an absolute fit trying to get media attention as well.<br />
<br />
(Note that Trayvon's parents have been the picture of dignity and grace throughout this ordeal. I don't know that I would be; I pray I never find out.)<br />
<br />
Chances are the scenario wouldn't play out that way for me though, as far as needing to get others to please pay attention to what I know is a wrongful death of my CHILD. I feel fairly confident that I, as a white mom with a white child, would get a lot of support and attention.<br />
<br />
Any parent would be outraged and want justice. Anyone who loves someone wants justice, not only for their loved one but to PREVENT IT FROM HAPPENING AGAIN.<br />
<br />
For someone to choose to follow and end up shooting my child, who was doing nothing wrong (even if she did, hypothetically, strongly physically defend herself, which is what I have always taught her to do...though, unfortunately, we'll never know the truth of what really transpired during the physical altercation), and then to not be held accountable for the choices they made that evening, that is APPALLING.<br />
<br />
For the shooter to be hailed as a hero by a large segment of our population and media, while my daughter is torn to shreds and ripped apart in public, IS APPALLING.<br />
<br />
Whereas Trayvon has repeatedly been <a href="http://www.huffingtonpost.com/eric-boehlert/trayvon-martin-and-why-th_b_3611111.html" target="_blank"><b>portrayed as a thug</b></a> with outright <a href="http://www.snopes.com/photos/politics/martin.asp" target="_blank"><b>viral lies</b></a> (by racists and gun nuts, let's be honest here) -- trying to justify the choice Zimmerman made that fateful evening by choosing to follow the teen, with a loaded weapon -- perhaps my daughter would instead be demonized as a slut, saying she was asking for trouble or something. Maybe they'd find a pic on FB that someone could use to paint her in that light.<br />
<br />
I can imagine how my child, who is tall and trained in tae kwon do, could be portrayed as threatening to Zimmerman, as the masses attempt to defend the indefensible. <br />
<br />
Even if it went to trial after gaining media attention and subsequent investigation, and the trial went according to Florida law and the shooter was found not guilty -- not guilty because my daughter fought back (since she is not the one who created this entire situation to begin with) against someone who chose to follow her, with a loaded weapon -- I would absolutely fight against that law and continue raising my voice and encouraging a national discussion.<br />
<br />
Whatever elements were involved that may have led to my child's unnecessary death, you better believe I would be pushing to explore every single one in order that no one else has to ever feel my pain. In the case of Trayvon Martin, racism and racial profiling is an element that must be explored, not only as it concerns George Zimmerman but the Sanford Police Department and the entire criminal justice system.<br />
<br />
Regarding the lack of a "proper investigation" as it concerns George Zimmerman, what led many to feel a proper investigation didn't take place includes but is not limited to the fact that: "<br />
<br />
-- George Zimmerman was not subject to a criminal background check until after he was released from custody.<br />
<br />
-- Nearly a week passed before important witnesses were interviewed by the police.<br />
<br />
-- Investigators failed to access Martin’s cell phone records for weeks.<br />
<br />
“Those mistakes should not have been made,” said Andrew Scott, former chief of the Boca Raton police department and a national policing consultant. “They were such rudimentary aspects of an investigation.”<br />
<br />
Again, if it were my child and if the police had just summarily believed the shooter rather than investigate fully and more thoroughly, I would have done exactly what Trayvon Martin's parents did. I think any parent would.<br />
<br />
Though I don't believe I would be so graceful and dignified; I think that's largely because I don't know what it's like, as a white person, to have injustice and discrimination heaped on me and my child each and every day, in myriad ways. I might have more energy to scream and fight and pitch a fit because I haven't fought that particular battle my entire life. (There are many battles on many fronts right now, including a <a href="http://thinkprogress.org/health/2013/05/29/2072531/oklahoma-republican-blasts-war-women/" target="_blank"><b>war on women</b></a>, a war on the middle class and those <a href="http://www.policymic.com/articles/45633/farm-bill-2013-cuts-that-ditch-2-000-000-people-from-food-stamps-are-unbelievably-cruel" target="_blank"><b>living and working in poverty</b></a>, but this post is about the very specific battles only people of color fight in the USA.)<br />
<br />
Again, to address my initial point, everything I wrote above is what made this a national media story and why it's different from other stories being put out as being a comparison. So, please, especially if you are a parent, try putting yourselves in the Martins' shoes. If your heart can take it.<br />
<br />
<b>EDIT TO ADD</b> President Obama's thought-provoking question from his 7/19/13 press conference:<br />
<br />
"And for those who -- who resist that idea, that we should think about something like these Stand Your Ground laws, I just ask people to consider, if Trayvon Martin was of age and armed, could he have stood his ground on that sidewalk? And do we actually think that he would have been justified in shooting Mr. Zimmerman, who had followed him in a car, because he felt threatened? And if the answer to that question is at least ambiguous, then it seems to me that we might want to examine those kinds of laws."<br />
<br />
<b>And how would such an outcome have played out in the courts and our media? Put on your empathy cap and try to imagine, but be honest -- if only with yourself.</b><br />
<br />
~ Dena<br />
<br />
<br />D. Patrickhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03820932934212637429noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3455344006120322791.post-14097653735287086112013-06-24T10:59:00.001-04:002013-06-25T10:02:35.787-04:0012 Favorite Quotes by Wendell Berry<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="background-color: white; color: #444444; font-family: arial, sans-serif; line-height: 16px;"><b><a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Wendell_Berry" target="_blank">Wendell Berry</a> is a conservationist, farmer, essayist, novelist, professor of English and poet. Below is a collection of my favorite wisdom offered by Mr. Berry.</b></span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; color: #444444; font-family: arial, sans-serif; line-height: 16px;"><b>(click image to enlarge)</b></span></div>
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #444444; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: x-small; line-height: 16px;"><br /></span>D. Patrickhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03820932934212637429noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3455344006120322791.post-86931570448763529462013-06-02T12:54:00.001-04:002013-06-02T17:06:31.973-04:00Jean Vanier: On Community, Compassion and Celebration<br />
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My most recent post at Practical Compassion -- <a href="http://www.practicalcompassionnow.com/2013/05/pain-our-common-denominator.html" target="_blank"><b>Pain: Our Common Denominator</b></a> -- featured this quote:<br />
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<span style="color: #274e13;"><b>“I am struck by how sharing our weakness and difficulties is more nourishing to others than sharing our qualities and successes.” </b></span></blockquote>
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That is a quote by <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jean_Vanier" target="_blank"><b>Jean Vanier</b></a>, and I'm inspired this Sunday afternoon to share more of his wisdom.<br />
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I have been a fan of Mr. Vanier since reading <i>From Brokenness to Community</i>. I feel a strong affinity with his way of being in this world, and how he views our journey as human beings. His work is steeped in compassion, respect and integrity; it is my intention that Wishadoo! and all of my work are imbued with the same.<br />
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Anyone devoted to the work of alleviating suffering can find themselves overwhelmed and depressed. Indeed, a new term has been coined in recent years: <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Compassion_fatigue" target="_blank"><b>compassion fatigue</b></a>. For many years I have spoken of employing what I call "compassionate detachment" in order to endure this "being human thing"; recognizing when it may be more compassionate to detach rather than engage directly can become a valuable survival skill in this world. Compassionate detachment can help us accept when we have done our best in any given situation and can do no more. This approach prevents misery -- our own or others' -- from defining us, and prevents us from becoming apathetic and uncaring, allowing our work with others to continue. It is especially helpful when we ourselves are suffering and struggling as well.<br />
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Mr. Vanier is keenly aware of the potential negative effect of the world at large on we as individuals and humanity as a collective. It is why he stresses repeatedly that we should never lose sight of joy and celebration, no matter how dire a situation may appear, and encourages us to consider what celebration actually means.<br />
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<span style="color: #274e13; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><i><b>"We must learn to celebrate. I say learn to celebrate, because celebration is not just a spontaneous event. We have to discover what celebration is. Our world doesn't know much about celebration. We know quite a bit about parties, where we are artificially stimulated with alcohol to have fun. We know what movies and distractions are. But do we know what celebration is? Do we know how to celebrate our togetherness, our being one body? Do we really know how to use all that is human and divine to celebrate together?</b></i></span></blockquote>
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Staying mindful of the <a href="http://www.ourcollectivegood.com/" target="_blank"><b>good that exists</b></a> and, when possible, pursuing and focusing on positive action to rectify what is causing pain and suffering, allows us to embrace joy and celebration more readily. There is no need to feel guilty about finding cause for celebration in the midst of sadness and despair. Indeed, it those who endure the most pain -- people around the world, throughout time -- leading the way by example so beautifully. <br />
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Working toward and having hope in the world that <i><b>can be</b></i>, rather than become hopeless in the face of the world<b> <i>that is</i></b> (or appears to be), is the only way I maintain some semblance of sanity and the energy to keep up the good fight. It's about balance.<br />
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I would like to share a collection of Mr. Vanier's thought-provoking, heartfelt wisdom this Sunday afternoon, for your consideration. I hope his words touch you in some healing way as they have me in recent years.<br />
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<span style="color: #274e13;"><span style="background-color: white; font-family: Georgia; font-size: 10.5pt;">“This evolution towards a real responsibility
for others is sometimes blocked by fear. It is easier to stay on the level of a
pleasant way of life in which we keep our freedom and our distance. But that
means that we stop growing and shut ourselves up in our own small concerns and
pleasures.”</span><span class="apple-converted-space" style="font-family: Georgia; font-size: 10.5pt;"> </span></span><span style="font-family: Georgia; font-size: 10.5pt;"><span style="background-color: white;">―<span class="apple-converted-space"> </span></span></span><span style="background-color: white; font-family: Georgia; font-size: 10.5pt;">Jean Vanier</span></blockquote>
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<span style="background-color: white; font-family: georgia, serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 18px;"><span style="color: #274e13;">“To love someone is to show to them their beauty, their worth and their importance.”</span></span><span style="background-color: white; color: #181818; font-family: georgia, serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 18px;"> </span><span style="background-color: white; font-family: georgia, serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 18px;">― </span><span style="font-family: georgia, serif;"><span style="background-color: white; font-size: 14px; line-height: 18px;">Jean Vanier</span></span></blockquote>
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<span style="background-color: white; font-family: georgia, serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 18px;"><span style="color: #274e13;">“But let us not put our sights too high. We do not have to be saviours of the world! We are simply human beings, enfolded in weakness and in hope, called together to change our world one heart at a time. ” </span></span><span style="background-color: white; font-family: georgia, serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 18px;">― </span><span style="font-family: georgia, serif;"><span style="background-color: white; font-size: 14px; line-height: 18px;">Jean Vanier</span></span><span style="background-color: white; font-family: georgia, serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 18px;">, </span><i style="background-color: white; font-family: georgia, serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 18px;">Becoming Human</i></blockquote>
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<span style="background-color: white; font-family: georgia, serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 18px;"><span style="color: #274e13;">“Every child, every person needs to know that they are a source of joy; every child, every person, needs to be celebrated. Only when all of our weaknesses are accepted as part of our humanity can our negative, broken self-images be transformed.”</span></span><span style="background-color: white; color: #181818; font-family: georgia, serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 18px;"> </span><span style="background-color: white; font-family: georgia, serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 18px;">― </span><span style="font-family: georgia, serif;"><span style="background-color: white; font-size: 14px; line-height: 18px;">Jean Vanier</span></span><span style="background-color: white; font-family: georgia, serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 18px;">, </span><i style="background-color: white; font-family: georgia, serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 18px;">Becoming Human</i></blockquote>
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<span style="background-color: white; font-family: georgia, serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 18px;"><span style="color: #274e13;">“Love doesn't mean doing extraordinary or heroic things. It means knowing how to do ordinary things with tenderness.” </span></span><span style="background-color: white; font-family: georgia, serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 18px;">― </span><span style="font-family: georgia, serif;"><span style="background-color: white; font-size: 14px; line-height: 18px;">Jean Vanier</span></span><span style="background-color: white; font-family: georgia, serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 18px;">, </span><i style="background-color: white; font-family: georgia, serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 18px;">Community And Growth</i></blockquote>
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<span style="background-color: white; font-family: georgia, serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 18px;"><span style="color: #274e13;">“If we are to grow in love, the prisons of our egoism must be unlocked. This implies suffering, constant effort and repeated choices.”</span></span><span style="background-color: white; color: #181818; font-family: georgia, serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 18px;"> </span><span style="background-color: white; font-family: georgia, serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 18px;">― </span><span style="font-family: georgia, serif;"><span style="background-color: white; font-size: 14px; line-height: 18px;">Jean Vanier</span></span><span style="background-color: white; font-family: georgia, serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 18px;">, </span><i style="background-color: white; font-family: georgia, serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 18px;">Community And Growth</i></blockquote>
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<span style="background-color: white; font-family: Georgia; font-size: 10.5pt;"><span style="color: #274e13;">“A community that is growing rich and seeks only to defend its goods and its reputation is dying. It has ceased to grow in love. A community is alive when it is poor and its members feel they have to work together and remain united, if only to ensure that they can all eat tomorrow!”</span><span class="apple-converted-space" style="color: #181818;"> </span></span><span style="font-family: Georgia; font-size: 10.5pt;"><span style="background-color: white;">―<span class="apple-converted-space"> </span></span></span><span style="background: white; color: #666600; font-family: Georgia; font-size: 10.5pt; text-decoration: none; text-underline: none;">Jean Vanier</span><span style="background-color: white; font-family: Georgia; font-size: 10.5pt;">,<span class="apple-converted-space"> </span><i><span style="color: #666600; text-decoration: none; text-underline: none;">Community And Growth</span></i></span></blockquote>
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<span style="background-color: white; font-family: georgia, serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 18px;"><span style="color: #274e13;">“We discover that we are at the same time very insignificant and very important, because each of our actions is preparing the humanity of tomorrow; it is a tiny contribution to the construction of the huge and glorious final humanity”</span></span><span style="background-color: white; color: #181818; font-family: georgia, serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 18px;"> </span><span style="background-color: white; font-family: georgia, serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 18px;">― </span><span style="font-family: georgia, serif;"><span style="background-color: white; font-size: 14px; line-height: 18px;">Jean Vanier</span></span><span style="background-color: white; font-family: georgia, serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 18px;">, </span><i style="background-color: white; font-family: georgia, serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 18px;">Community And Growth</i></blockquote>
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<span style="background-color: white; font-family: georgia, serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 18px;"><span style="color: #274e13;">“When we love and respect people, revealing to them their value, they can begin to come out from behind the walls that protect them.” </span></span><span style="background-color: white; color: #181818; font-family: georgia, serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 18px;"> </span><span style="background-color: white; font-family: georgia, serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 18px;">― </span><span style="font-family: georgia, serif;"><span style="background-color: white; font-size: 14px; line-height: 18px;">Jean Vanier</span></span><span style="background-color: white; font-family: georgia, serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 18px;">, </span><i style="background-color: white; font-family: georgia, serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 18px;">Finding Peace</i></blockquote>
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<span style="background-color: white; font-family: georgia, serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 18px;"><span style="color: #274e13;">“Happiness comes when we choose to be who we are, to be ourselves, at this present moment in our lives.” </span></span><span style="background-color: white; color: #181818; font-family: georgia, serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 18px;"> </span><span style="background-color: white; font-family: georgia, serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 18px;">― </span><span style="font-family: georgia, serif;"><span style="background-color: white; font-size: 14px; line-height: 18px;">Jean Vanier</span></span><span style="background-color: white; font-family: georgia, serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 18px;">, </span><i style="background-color: white; font-family: georgia, serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 18px;">Finding Peace</i></blockquote>
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<span style="background-color: white; font-family: georgia, serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 18px;"><span style="color: #274e13;">“True peace can rarely be imposed from the outside; it must be born within and between communities through meetings and dialogue and then carried outward.” </span></span><span style="background-color: white; color: #181818; font-family: georgia, serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 18px;"> </span><span style="background-color: white; font-family: georgia, serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 18px;">― </span>Jean Vanier<span style="background-color: white; font-family: georgia, serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 18px;">, </span><i style="background-color: white; font-family: georgia, serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 18px;">Finding Peace</i></blockquote>
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<span style="background-color: white; font-family: georgia, serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 18px;"><span style="color: #274e13;">“We work for peace every time we exercise authority with wisdom and authentic love.”</span></span><span style="background-color: white; color: #181818; font-family: georgia, serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 18px;"> </span><span style="background-color: white; font-family: georgia, serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 18px;">― </span><span style="font-family: georgia, serif;"><span style="background-color: white; font-size: 14px; line-height: 18px;">Jean Vanier</span></span><span style="background-color: white; font-family: georgia, serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 18px;">, </span><i style="background-color: white; font-family: georgia, serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 18px;">Finding Peace</i></blockquote>
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<span style="background-color: white; font-family: georgia, serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 18px;"><span style="color: #274e13;">“A society which discards those who are weak and non-productive risks exaggerating the development of reason, organisation, aggression and the desire to dominate. It becomes a society without a heart, without kindness - a rational and sad society, lacking celebration, divided within itself and given to competition, rivalry and, finally, violence.”</span></span><span style="background-color: white; color: #181818; font-family: georgia, serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 18px;"> </span><span style="background-color: white; font-family: georgia, serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 18px;">― </span><span style="font-family: georgia, serif;"><span style="background-color: white; font-size: 14px; line-height: 18px;">Jean Vanier</span></span><span style="background-color: white; font-family: georgia, serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 18px;">, </span><i style="background-color: white; font-family: georgia, serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 18px;">Man and Woman He Made Them</i></blockquote>
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Thank you for reading.</div>
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<span style="background-color: white; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', Trebuchet, Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: medium; line-height: 25px;">~ Dena</span><span style="background-color: white; color: #783f04; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', Trebuchet, Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: medium; line-height: 25px;"> | </span><a href="http://about.me/denapatrick" style="background-color: white; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', Trebuchet, Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large; line-height: 25px;" target="_blank"><span style="color: #0b5394;">About Me</span></a></div>
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D. Patrickhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03820932934212637429noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3455344006120322791.post-70501871461853680602013-05-23T09:23:00.002-04:002013-05-23T09:23:26.299-04:00Kamiak High School Sandy Hook Well Tribute (video)<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: 'lucida grande', tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; line-height: 15px;"><b>The story of a clean water well constructed by Well Done Organization (welldoneliberia.org) and funded by Kamiak High School in Mukilteo, Washington. The well, located in Buchanan, Liberia, was built in honor of the victims of the Sandy Hook mass shooting that occurred on December 14, 2012. Students and staff from Kamiak raised funds in just a few days as people from the Mukilteo community joined together to pay respects to the victims. Their hope was that, from such a tragic event, clean water could provide something: LIFE. </b></span></div>
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<b>Love. Honor. Remember.</b></div>
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</span>D. Patrickhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03820932934212637429noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3455344006120322791.post-17864349591999396812013-05-19T13:01:00.003-04:002013-05-19T13:04:30.490-04:00ACCEPT WITH LOVE WHAT IS GIVEN WITH LOVE<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<i>(Guest post by Wishadoo! Community member, Angela)</i></div>
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Tony, my cat, killed a robin this morning. He brought it to the door, so proud and happy, but all I could do was scream at him. As soon as I yelled, he dropped the bird and ran to hide under the barn. He was so proud, and I had broken his heart. I had looked at his gift and told him it was bad.<br />
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Not really sure what to do, I took the bird to the edge of the woods, and sat down and cried. I cried for the bird. Did it have babies? Would they survive? I cried for my cat. Would this destroy his spirit? I cried for the world; for everyone who has ever given a gift and been reproached. What happened to being truly grateful to another soul for doing something for us without being asked or guilted or obligated? What happened to looking at the gift for what it is, and only what it is -- another remembering us and wanting to make our day happier or easier?<br />
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This is what is being revealed to us as a global society. We've been so conditioned to keep our "eyes on the prize" that we've lost the joy of everything else. Yeah, a dead bird is pretty gross, but it was Tony's catly way of letting me know I'm his and he cares for me. Would that we all could sit and listen and accept and enjoy each other's gifts, even if it is the gift of company, of listening. I believe that for the entire world, this is our new task: accepting with love what is given to us with love, and taking the time to see the gift for what it is -- an expression of love.<br />
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I didn't win the PowerBall drawing last night. It would have made me happy beyond belief to win it -- alas, it didn't happen this time. I did win $10 for matching a few numbers, and I'm working on letting go of the disappointment of not winning the big money and being thankful for a $10 return on a $2 ticket bought. That's actually not too shabby, when you think about it: My investment returned to me x 5, overnight. So I'm focusing on that $10, and letting go of the thoughts of what I didn't get.. The Universe loves me, and sent me a little wink last night to remind me of that.<br />
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D. Patrickhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03820932934212637429noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3455344006120322791.post-18999427187167682072013-05-11T09:11:00.000-04:002013-05-11T09:35:43.511-04:00COMPASSION REVOLUTION: PAKISTAN<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<b>(click images to enlarge)</b></div>
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<b><span style="background-color: white; font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;">The </span><span style="background-color: white; font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;"><a href="http://zeenews.india.com/pakistan-elections-2013/pakistan-general-elections-2013-voting-underway-as-16-killed-in-poll-related-violence_847824.html" target="_blank">Pakistan General Elections</a></span><span style="background-color: white; font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;"> are under way. </span></b></div>
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<b style="background-color: white; font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;"><b><a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Malala_Yousafzai" target="_blank">Malala Yousafzai</a></b> is the epitome of COURAGE and INTEGRITY, at the tender age of 15.</b></div>
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<span style="background-color: white; font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;"><b>But she is not alone. There is a movement afoot in Pakistan. <a href="http://www.charterforcompassion.org.pk/" target="_blank">The Charter for Compassion|Pakistan</a> has been doing amazing work over the last few years, and have been very involved in encouraging citizens of Pakistan to have the courage to vote. </b></span></div>
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<b style="font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;">From the Charter for Compassion|Pakistan: </b></div>
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<i style="background-color: white; font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;"><i><b>"On your marks... Get set... Vote! </b></i></i></div>
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<i style="background-color: white;"><b><span style="font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;"><i>Courage will drive us to change, courage will help us identify ourselves and rise to any challenge. Courage will help us make a difference. </i></span></b></i></div>
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<i style="background-color: white;"><b><span style="font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;"><i>Years from now, when we look back in time we can proudly say that we stood united even in the toughest of times only because we believed in a better Pakistan, and its that belief that gave us the courage to vote."</i> </span></b></i></div>
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<b><span style="color: #274e13; font-size: large;">PLEASE CLICK <a href="http://charterforcompassion.org/" target="_blank">HERE</a> to sign the Charter for Compassion</span></b></div>
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<b><span style="color: #274e13; font-size: large;">CLICK the image below to join the </span></b></div>
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<b><span style="color: #274e13; font-size: large;"> GLOBAL COMPASSION REVOLUTION!</span></b></div>
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<a href="http://www.wishadoo.org/compassion-revolution" target="_blank"><img border="0" height="146" src="https://fbcdn-sphotos-f-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-prn1/942877_458703704218773_447120952_n.png" width="400" /></a></div>
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<b>COMMENTS are not working properly on this blog, please visit <a href="http://www.wishadoo.org/blog/155/a-compassion-revolution-pakistan/" target="_blank">Wishadoo!</a> to leave comment.</b></div>
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<b>PLEASE SHARE!</b></div>
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<br />D. Patrickhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03820932934212637429noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3455344006120322791.post-75595054941456815282013-05-02T15:39:00.003-04:002013-05-02T15:41:25.288-04:00CAN YOU LIST SIX "BIG ISSUE" PRIORITIES BASED ON WHAT YOU VALUE?<br />
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-xOD1umUwXnE/UYLA2oFqy5I/AAAAAAAAELQ/RpUE-AfHp5A/s1600/prioritiesvalues.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="310" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-xOD1umUwXnE/UYLA2oFqy5I/AAAAAAAAELQ/RpUE-AfHp5A/s400/prioritiesvalues.png" width="400" /></a></div>
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<strong style="font-size: x-large;"><span style="color: grey;"><br /></span></strong>
<strong style="font-size: x-large;"><span style="color: grey;">CAN YOU LIST SIX "BIG ISSUE" PRIORITIES BASED ON WHAT YOU VALUE?</span></strong><br />
<strong style="font-size: x-large;"><span style="color: grey;"><br /></span></strong>
<span style="font-size: medium; line-height: 1.5em;"><span style="color: black;">It's too easy to become overwhelmed by the plethora of critical issues Humanity faces, and what we as individuals face each day in our own lives. More and more of us are struggling to survive, fewer are thriving.</span></span><br />
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<span style="color: black; font-size: medium; line-height: 1.5em;">People turn away because it all feels too much, too BIG; they feel helpless, then hopeless.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><strong><span style="color: grey; line-height: 1.5em;"><br /></span></strong></span>
<span style="font-size: large;"><strong><span style="color: grey; line-height: 1.5em;">We need to re-evaluate our priorities as individuals, as a society, as nations, don't you agree?</span></strong></span><br />
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<span style="color: black; font-size: medium; line-height: 1.5em;">Perhaps answering this question is easier if you literally list what – and who -- you value most in your everyday life.</span><br />
<span style="color: black; font-size: medium;"><span style="line-height: 1.5em;"><br /></span></span>
<span style="color: black; font-size: medium;"><span style="line-height: 1.5em;">There are so many critical issues requiring attention in the world, it seems we must triage our situation, nationally and globally.</span><span style="line-height: 1.5em;"> </span></span><br />
<span style="color: black; font-size: medium;"><span style="line-height: 1.5em;"><br /></span></span>
<span style="color: black; font-size: medium;"><span style="line-height: 1.5em;">Let's begin here, together, to narrow the focus. Let's share our personal views and values, from our perspective:</span><span style="line-height: 1.5em;"> </span><span style="line-height: 1.5em;">the average citizen. We can be thought leaders, too, right?</span></span><br />
<span style="color: black; font-size: medium;"><span style="line-height: 1.5em;"><br /></span></span>
<span style="color: black; font-size: medium; line-height: 1.5em;">Along with listing what you feel are the most pressing problems, if you have any ideas or know of potential solutions (or organizations working on it), please share.</span><br />
<span style="color: black; font-size: medium; line-height: 1.5em;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: medium;"><strong><span style="color: green;">If you would like to be part of an ongoing conversation regarding identifying and prioritizing our values, and having a dialogue regarding how to put these values into action in practical ways in our daily lives – starting wherever you may be – please <span style="color: #ff6600;"><a href="http://www.wishadoo.org/Contact/" target="_blank"><span style="color: #ff6600;">contact me</span></a></span> to let me know.</span></strong></span><br />
<span style="font-size: medium;"><strong><span style="color: green;"><br /></span></strong></span>
<span style="font-size: medium;"><strong><span style="color: green;">If you're ready to dive in right now and be part of this conversation, you can join us <span style="color: #ff6600;"><a href="http://www.wishadoo.org/conversation-priorities/" target="_blank"><span style="color: #ff6600;">HERE</span></a></span>, a group created for this purpose at Wishadoo. </span></strong></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">(Reminder: I'm not sure what's wrong with the comment system here, but it's not letting me read any comments that are posted. I apologize. Please contact me as above.)</span><br />
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<br />D. Patrickhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03820932934212637429noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3455344006120322791.post-38262181158746557042013-04-29T08:29:00.002-04:002013-05-02T10:29:01.117-04:00I'M A HUMAN BEING<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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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.<br />
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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.<br />
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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.<br />
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We need to be mindful of The Golden Rule.<br />
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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. <br />
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<iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='320' height='266' src='https://www.youtube.com/embed/0rO0BHSPXQg?feature=player_embedded' frameborder='0'></iframe></div>
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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: <br />
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<a href="http://www.wishadoo.org/blog/149/im-a-human-being/">http://www.wishadoo.org/blog/149/im-a-human-being/</a><br />
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Thanks!<br />
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<br />D. Patrickhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03820932934212637429noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3455344006120322791.post-75174244045880823352013-04-28T15:30:00.002-04:002013-04-28T15:30:55.478-04:00PLEASE TAKE OUR QUICK "COMPASSION POLL"<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-3ua6CHQl99k/UX14yLLt5YI/AAAAAAAAEKU/cyq32vdBbqU/s1600/holdinghands.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-3ua6CHQl99k/UX14yLLt5YI/AAAAAAAAEKU/cyq32vdBbqU/s320/holdinghands.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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D. Patrickhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03820932934212637429noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3455344006120322791.post-8529853812066955422013-04-18T12:07:00.003-04:002013-04-18T12:22:37.707-04:00LOVE IS THE ANSWER<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /><object width="320" height="266" class="BLOGGER-youtube-video" classid="clsid:D27CDB6E-AE6D-11cf-96B8-444553540000" codebase="http://download.macromedia.com/pub/shockwave/cabs/flash/swflash.cab#version=6,0,40,0" data-thumbnail-src="http://img.youtube.com/vi/_QZjJU-mtFU/0.jpg"><param name="movie" value="http://youtube.googleapis.com/v/_QZjJU-mtFU&source=uds" /><param name="bgcolor" value="#FFFFFF" /><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true" /><embed width="320" height="266" src="http://youtube.googleapis.com/v/_QZjJU-mtFU&source=uds" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowfullscreen="true"></embed></object></div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-kyGG8zaY85U/UXAc6wuJr0I/AAAAAAAAEI8/p1_PGKBmdas/s1600/CHOOSELOVEdestructive-800x.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-kyGG8zaY85U/UXAc6wuJr0I/AAAAAAAAEI8/p1_PGKBmdas/s400/CHOOSELOVEdestructive-800x.png" width="376" /></a></div>
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<b><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Earlier today a friend mentioned this song. </span></b></div>
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<b><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">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.</span></b></div>
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<b><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">"Love is the Answer," by England Dan and John Ford Coley</span></b></div>
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<b><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">This song is from the 70's, but the words are perhaps even more pertinent today. </span></b></div>
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<b><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">The lyrics are included under the video.<br /><br />Indeed, Love is always the answer. Simple, not always easy.</span></b></div>
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<div class="meta_l" style="color: #474747; font-size: 15px; margin: 10px 10px 0px; padding: 0px 0px 0px 10px; width: 445px;">
Songwriters: RUNDGREN, TODD/POWELL, ROGER/SULTON, KASIM/WILCOX, JOHN</div>
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Name your price<br />
A ticket to paradise<br />
I can't stay here any more<br />
And I've looked high and low<br />
I've been from shore to shore to shore<br />
If there's a short cut I'd have found it<br />
But there ain't no easy way around it<br />
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Light of the world, shine on me<br />
Love is the answer<br />
Shine on us all<br />
Set us free<br />
Love is the answer<br />
<br style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px;" />
Who knows why<br />
Someday we all must die<br />
We're all homeless boys and girls<br />
And we are never heard<br />
It's such a lonely world<br />
People turn their heads<br />
And walk on by<br />
Tell me is it worth just another try<br />
<br style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px;" />
<br style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px;" />
Are we alive<br />
Or just a dying planet<br />
What are the chances<br />
Ask the man in your heart for the answers<br />
And when you feel afraid<br />
<br style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px;" />
Love one another<br />
When you've lost your way<br />
Love one another<br />
And when you're all alone<br />
Love one another<br />
And when you're far from home<br />
Love one another<br />
And when you're down and out<br />
Love one another<br />
And when your hopes run out<br />
Love one another<br />
And when you need a friend<br />
Love one another<br />
We got to love one another</div>
D. Patrickhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03820932934212637429noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3455344006120322791.post-3454953726783226422013-04-16T10:42:00.000-04:002013-04-18T12:28:26.157-04:00THIS IS MARTIN<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiPnwqQFnCQWn0dg6tLbjPzP7IPyp13oJiceWKYDpeiQhcOJbumE0Mx0PuYHAG8Ipf-a6p0xxFVVBSY3_3MDF6lCSpeWuySYEwroBMIsgRe6rg2uCqVBYPstuPGivhwVXl_W9qoMsJyx4TS/s1600/martin.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="346" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiPnwqQFnCQWn0dg6tLbjPzP7IPyp13oJiceWKYDpeiQhcOJbumE0Mx0PuYHAG8Ipf-a6p0xxFVVBSY3_3MDF6lCSpeWuySYEwroBMIsgRe6rg2uCqVBYPstuPGivhwVXl_W9qoMsJyx4TS/s400/martin.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: 'lucida grande', tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif; line-height: 18px;">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 </span><a data-hovercard="/ajax/hovercard/user.php?id=504905400&extragetparams=%7B%22group_id%22%3A0%7D" href="https://www.facebook.com/rachel.moo.16?group_id=0" style="background-color: white; color: #3b5998; cursor: pointer; font-family: 'lucida grande', tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif; line-height: 18px; text-decoration: none;">Rachel Moo</a>,<span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: 'lucida grande', tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif; line-height: 18px;"> who shared this image. <br /><br /><b>The poster says: NO MORE HURTING PEOPLE. PEACE.</b></span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: 'lucida grande', tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif; line-height: 18px;"><b><br /></b></span>
<span style="color: #333333; font-family: lucida grande, tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif;"><span style="line-height: 18px;">Martin created this poster to convey his thoughts after <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Shooting_of_Trayvon_Martin" target="_blank"><b>Trayvon Martin</b></a> was killed.</span></span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: 'lucida grande', tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif; line-height: 18px;"><br /></span>
<span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: 'lucida grande', tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif; line-height: 18px;">His message resonates powerfully today. <br /><br />I'm sharing this as a way of tribute to his too-brief, but immeasurably valuable life by following his example.</span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: 'lucida grande', tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif; line-height: 18px;"><br /></span>
<span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: 'lucida grande', tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif; line-height: 18px;">(Seen on <a href="https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=10151627065481913&set=a.10150431965526913.409858.569141912&type=1&theater" target="_blank">Facebook</a>)</span><br />
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<span style="color: #333333; font-family: lucida grande, tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif;"><span style="line-height: 18px;">I want to share this message today as well:</span></span><br />
<span style="color: #333333; font-family: lucida grande, tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif;"><span style="line-height: 18px;"><br /></span></span>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-GLLuIp_TrlI/UW1ldVPrriI/AAAAAAAAEHg/5XqI7AyV_hM/s1600/BEOFGOODCOURAGE.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-GLLuIp_TrlI/UW1ldVPrriI/AAAAAAAAEHg/5XqI7AyV_hM/s400/BEOFGOODCOURAGE.png" width="336" /></a></div>
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: 'lucida grande', tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif; line-height: 18px;">~ Dena </span><br />
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<br />D. Patrickhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03820932934212637429noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3455344006120322791.post-40938889245727635292013-04-15T09:41:00.002-04:002013-04-15T10:04:15.611-04:00THE SIMPLE ACT of VALIDATION & ACKNOWLEDGEMENT<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-CpBv_caP9KM/UWwDHHDvC5I/AAAAAAAAEHI/P_dryZ0yVX8/s1600/naomifeil.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-CpBv_caP9KM/UWwDHHDvC5I/AAAAAAAAEHI/P_dryZ0yVX8/s1600/naomifeil.jpg" /></a></div>
When you can spare five minutes, please use it to watch the touching video seen below.<br />
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It shows interaction between <a href="https://vfvalidation.org/web.php?request=index" target="_blank">Naomi Feil</a>, 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.<br />
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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.<br />
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Don't we all crave such acknowledgement and validation? Don't we all deserve this?<br />
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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 <i>lack of</i> validation and acknowledgement by other human beings.<br />
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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.<br />
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Truly listen when others speak, rather than formulate your reply without hearing them. Acknowledge that you hear them.<br />
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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.
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D. Patrickhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03820932934212637429noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3455344006120322791.post-29127741041326129552013-04-07T12:54:00.001-04:002013-04-07T13:00:03.728-04:00Jiffy (Cornbread Mix) Shows the Spirit of Wishadoo!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://www.jiffymix.com/wp-content/uploads/2009/02/sunsetcmc_1103.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="239" src="http://www.jiffymix.com/wp-content/uploads/2009/02/sunsetcmc_1103.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;"><b>Today, I stumbled upon a wonderful article by <a href="http://www.policymic.com/articles/30626/7-reasons-this-muffin-mix-can-save-america" target="_blank">Cory Suter of Policymic</a>, which tells the story of one of America's oldest companies. </b> </span></span><br />
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<b><a href="http://www.jiffymix.com/" target="_blank">"JIFFY" Mix</a></b> 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.<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">Mr. Suter's article shares why, in his view, there are "7 Reasons This Muffin Mix Can Save America." Here are the first three:</span><br />
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1. Jiffy mix sells over 55% of all muffin mixes in the United States, but doesn't spend a dime on advertising.<br>
2. Jiffy mix denies Wall Street a chance to make money from other people's work.<br />
3. Jiffy mix management treats their employees the way they would like to be treated.
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I happen to agree and encourage you to read the <a href="http://www.policymic.com/articles/30626/7-reasons-this-muffin-mix-can-save-america" target="_blank">entire article</a>. In fact, Mr. Howdy Holmes (CEO) and his company put <a href="http://www.wishadoo.org/" target="_blank">Wishadoo!'s</a> vision and values into action, combining a dedication to community, cooperation and compassion in practical, time-honored ways.</span></h2>
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<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">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.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">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."</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">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.</span><br />
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D. Patrickhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03820932934212637429noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3455344006120322791.post-89183466777739789362013-03-31T11:02:00.002-04:002013-03-31T11:03:05.465-04:00ONE MORE DAY (guest post)<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-HrAAJV5FHC8/UVhNuQyCEZI/AAAAAAAAED4/8bX5ipcD-fU/s1600/gracegratitude550x.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-HrAAJV5FHC8/UVhNuQyCEZI/AAAAAAAAED4/8bX5ipcD-fU/s320/gracegratitude550x.png" width="320" /></a>
<span style="color: #38761d;"><a href="http://www.wishadoo.org/blog/144/one-more-day/" target="_blank">by Angela, of the Wishadoo! Community</a></span></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><br /></span></span>
<b><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">It's Easter morning -- the most important day of the year for Christians. </span></span></b><br />
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<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">Even those of us
whose faith is tenuous find it in ourselves at Easter, and come together
in houses of worship to praise and be thankful for salvation.
Although I was raised in the Christian tradition, and still hold in my
heart many of those tenets (Love Thy Neighbor, Do Unto Others as You
Would Have Them Do Unto You, What You Do For the Least of These You Do
For Me, etc.),
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<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><br /></span></span>
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">I consider myself more of a "sampler" of religions -- I
find what speaks to my heart and adopt that as my "religion". Many
people take issue with that, but in my humble opinion, religion is a
personal choice. It is a way to communicate with God/Spirit/The
Universe/My Higher Self, so why shouldn't it be personalized to what
works for me? (AND, I'm off on a tangent) Regardless of your
religion, however, it's still a lovely time to be with family and
celebrate and be thankful for the return of springtime. After a long
night of rain, we're seeing a glimpse of sunlight and hearing the lilt
of birdsong, so our fears of a wash-out were unfounded.</span></span><br />
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<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">
I awoke around
dawn this morning, went to check on my elderly mother -- my beloved mama
-- and made the coffee. She was still sleeping peacefully and looked
so warm and cozy that I didn't have to heart to wake her, so she's still
asleep, and I get One More Day with her. We had talked about going to
church today, and that could still happen, but right now she's so
peaceful, I refuse to interrupt her slumber. We have so few peaceful
nights that I consider this a heavenly gift, and I will not ruin it by
forcing her to get up and get ready for church. She doesn't do well
when she's rushed or being forced, so we'll see how the day goes. We
may make it to church, and we may not. Perhaps we'll pack a picnic
lunch and go to the park. What better way to give thanks for creation
than to be in nature (or as close an approximation as we can get in the
city) and appreciating it for a while. It's supposed to be very warm,
finally, so she'll enjoy being out in the sun and watching the kids.</span></span><br />
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<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><br /></span></span>
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">This is my first
time blogging on <b><a href="http://www.wishadoo.org/" target="_blank">Wishadoo</a></b>. Dena asked me to write about my experiences
being a care-giver, and until now I haven't had to energy or time or
nerve or whatever to do it, but this morning seemed like a good time for
a new beginning, given the symbolism of this day. So, here's it is --
my very first blog entry.</span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><br /></span></span>
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><br /></span></span>
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">In the past few
years, I've weathered challenges and hardships I would never have
thought I'd have the strength to face, but face them I have, with as
much Grace as I could pull from within myself. And you know what? When
I had no more Grace myself, someone would always come along to share
theirs with me. There are angels among us -- I have absolutely no doubt
about that -- from the kind gentleman who helped me when I broke the
heel of my shoe and fell into the road in heavy traffic, to the kind
lady from the animal shelter who gave us cat food when we couldn't
afford to buy it, to the kind online friend who generously offered to
help me find work-from-home employment so that we can have some sort of
income, to dear friends who have helped us with financial and moral
support, to kind strangers who have helped us out financially, to my
sweet cousins who have helped us out with tangibles and with loving
support, to the compassionate and loving soul who created Wishadoo so
that we'd have a place to gather. Plus, there are so many people who've
crossed our path, helped us in some way, and gone on their way --
sometimes without telling us their names -- and I have no way of
thanking them personally. These are angels among us.</span></span><br />
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<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><br /></span></span>
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">
I know that her
condition is degenerative, and will eventually take her from us, so my
concern for now is making what time she has left on this planet as
pleasant and uncomplicated for her as possible. People say to me
"you've given up your life to care for her. why don't you put her in a
nursing home?" and I understand their concern is for me, but as I've
tried to explain to them, my life will continue long after she's gone
and there may come a time when I can no longer give her the care she
needs, but for now I can, and I get ONE MORE DAY. And for that I am
thankful.</span></span><br />
<br />D. Patrickhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03820932934212637429noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3455344006120322791.post-10583020833872134802013-03-21T10:58:00.001-04:002013-03-21T10:59:49.430-04:00NIKOLA TESLA + FRED ROGERS = WISHADOO!Sometimes a simple graphic conveys an organization's entire mission. Here are two which give a better feel for Wishadoo!'s intentions and reason for being. (click them to enlarge)<br />
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<span class="fbPhotosPhotoCaption" data-ft="{"type":45}" id="fbPhotoSnowliftCaption" tabindex="0"><span class="hasCaption">I miss Mr. Rogers...and his neighborhood. What a kindly gentleman, what a big heart. ♥<br /> <br /> I think Mr. Rogers would have loved Wishadoo! -- don't you? :)<br /> <br /> <a href="http://www.facebook.com/l.php?u=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.wishadoo.org&h=UAQEHOFhy&s=1" rel="nofollow nofollow" target="_blank"><b>Please join us at Wishadoo!</b></a></span></span><br />
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-HihSkh9SUSM/UUsfd6Nad_I/AAAAAAAAECA/Ttfhs3GLISk/s1600/mrrogerssharedresponsibility.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-HihSkh9SUSM/UUsfd6Nad_I/AAAAAAAAECA/Ttfhs3GLISk/s320/mrrogerssharedresponsibility.png" width="273" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-6t0Btag1pLs/UUsf0CD4rqI/AAAAAAAAECI/V5CqGgrjlSw/s1600/teslanewworld.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="293" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-6t0Btag1pLs/UUsf0CD4rqI/AAAAAAAAECI/V5CqGgrjlSw/s320/teslanewworld.png" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />D. Patrickhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03820932934212637429noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3455344006120322791.post-59662648648490960872013-03-21T09:30:00.000-04:002013-03-21T09:30:10.311-04:00Watch A Deep And Awesome View On Life From A 9-Year-Old Video <b>"It's an endless quest without knowing what your quest is." </b><br />
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<b>Must see video. I've added this to <a href="http://www.wishadoo.org/video/" target="_blank">Wishadoo!'s Video Library</a> as well. Please visit <a href="http://www.wishadoo.org/" target="_blank">Wishadoo!</a> and the library for more inspiration. </b>
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<iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='320' height='266' src='https://www.youtube.com/embed/HJDG1UWZGlU?feature=player_embedded' frameborder='0'></iframe></div>
<br />D. Patrickhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03820932934212637429noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3455344006120322791.post-42870948205223348182013-03-19T13:08:00.001-04:002013-03-19T16:58:55.942-04:00WE NEED A GLOBAL BOATLIFT<br />
<a href="http://www.ourcollectivegood.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/03/boat-lift-9.11.jpg"><img alt="boat-lift-9.11" class="aligncenter size-full wp-image-1189" height="216" src="http://www.ourcollectivegood.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/03/boat-lift-9.11.jpg" width="400" /></a>
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<span style="color: navy;">3/19/13 | 12:30:05 PM; by Dena Patrick; Founder, Wishadoo.org</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: 14px;"><i>“They were feeling helpless, and
that’s the worst feeling in the world. I told my wife, ‘I have to do
something. I am going to take the Amberjack to the city and help. I
have to do what I have to do. Nobody can stop me right now. Even if I
save one person or rescue one person, that’s one person less who will
suffer and die.'” </i> Vincent Ardolino; Captain, Amberjack V</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: 14px;">On September 11th, 2001, as hundreds
of thousands fled south from the burning towers, people quickly
discovered something we often forget: that Manhattan is an island. As
officials closed all bridges, tunnels and commuter lines linking
Manhattan to the rest of the world, people were trapped.</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: 14px;">The little-told story of what happened
next is the focus of a documentary short film (see video below), BOATLIFT, narrated by
Tom Hanks. The film premiered at the Center for National Policy’s 9/11
Ten Year Anniversary Summit, in Washington, D.C.</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: 14px;">BOATLIFT is the story of the largest maritime evacuation in history.</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: 14px;">On 9/11, over 500,000 people were
rescued from Manhattan’s seawalls in just nine hours. This is the
story of the resilience of the every day people at the scene that day,
and the brave community who sail the waters of New York’s Harbor.</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: 14px;">As the buildings fell, hundreds of boats of all types rushed towards the disaster. They did so at great personal risk. </span><span style="font-size: 14px;">These heroes pushed their boats into
the harbor, and filled over and over with dazed passengers. That the
evacuation was unplanned and unrehearsed is remarkable. </span><b style="font-size: 14px;">But what is even more impressive is that not a single person was injured in the process.</b><br />
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<span style="font-size: 14px;">The story of the 9/11 boatlift is a
reminder of the sense of shared purpose and resilience that pervaded New
York – and the world – in the immediate aftermath of the attacks.</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: 16px;"><b><span style="color: grey;">It
is also a reminder of how helping one another, even in the face of
seemingly overwhelming suffering is how we survive and thrive. One
person, one step at a time. As Mr. Ardolino said:</span> </b><span style="color: grey;"><i>Even if I save one person or rescue one person, that’s one person less who will suffer and die.</i></span></span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: 14px;">Many around the world are frightened
and feel alone, in despair. The world does not feel safe; they don’t
know how they are to survive from day to day. This is true in the United States and all countries around the world.</span><br />
<br />
<span style="color: grey; font-size: 18px;"><span style="font-size: large;"><b>We need to come together for a global boatlift. </b></span> </span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: 14px;">In these modern times, with myriad
forms of communication at the fingertips of so many, there is no need
for anyone to feel so desperately alone and hopeless.</span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: 14px;">We each have something to offer the
world, even if we are suffering ourselves. Every single person has the
capacity to offer empathy and moral support. That is priceless, and it
may open the floodgate to the many other ways we can be of service to
one another without realizing it.</span><br />
<br />
<span style="color: grey; font-size: 18px;"><b>It is a
choice. Do you choose love or fear? The mariners shepherding survivors
on 9/11/01 chose love and compassion, in spite of their own fear.</b></span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: 14px;">One person at a time. Reach out to
one person at a time, and allow others to reach out to you as well.
Surely we can come together to rise above the current challenges and
create a new way forward, a way of compassion, cooperation and authentic
community. We must embrace the better angels of our nature and be of
good courage, knowing we are not alone.</span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: 14px;"><b>I invite you to join others who believe in the power of community and have faith in Humanity, and know that we can do better. </b></span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: 14px;"><b>Are you ready? Please visit</b> <span style="color: green;"><b><a href="http://www.wishadoo.org/" target="_blank"><span style="color: green;">www.wishadoo.org</span></a></b></span></span><br />
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<br />D. Patrickhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03820932934212637429noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3455344006120322791.post-67080028668229587872013-03-19T06:51:00.000-04:002013-03-19T06:51:21.758-04:00Good All Around<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-jZqQQabJ93k/UUhBzQz6oSI/AAAAAAAAD-o/VmKAJrochDc/s1600/thoreau_good.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-jZqQQabJ93k/UUhBzQz6oSI/AAAAAAAAD-o/VmKAJrochDc/s320/thoreau_good.png" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><b>I'm passionate about finding, sharing, and creating as much GOOD as possible!</b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><b><br /></b></span>
<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><b>This is a brief post to introduce you to several of the outlets I've created which serve this purpose:</b></span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><b><a href="http://www.ourcollectivegood.com/" target="_blank">OUR COLLECTIVE GOOD</a> -- An online magazine curating all manner of GOOD.</b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><b><br /></b></span>
<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><b><a href="http://www.wishadoo.org/" target="_blank">WISHADOO!</a> -- Where we gather and put GOOD into action! (see our other social media outlets when you visit the site)</b></span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><b>FACEBOOK: <a href="http://www.facebook.com/curategood" target="_blank">CURATE GOOD</a> (finding and sharing good)</b></span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><b><a href="https://plus.google.com/u/1/communities/102865338094804987863" target="_blank">THE DO-GOODER NETWORK</a> on Google+</b></span><br />
<br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><b>PLEASE FOLLOW AND JOIN US AND SHARE THE GOODNESS! </b></span><br />
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D. Patrickhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03820932934212637429noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3455344006120322791.post-31211771000964687712013-03-18T06:57:00.000-04:002013-03-18T07:17:15.788-04:00Make Happiness a GLOBAL PRIORITY!<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-yDKvu0y2ago/UUbyzSc1VYI/AAAAAAAAD9g/PZsymQd6j3k/s1600/AfH+pledge+pic+v3.jpg" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-yDKvu0y2ago/UUbyzSc1VYI/AAAAAAAAD9g/PZsymQd6j3k/s320/AfH+pledge+pic+v3.jpg" /></a>
<b> </b><br />
<br />
<b>A profound shift in attitudes is underway all over the world. People are now recognizing that "progress" should be about increasing human happiness and well-being, not just growing the economy at all costs. March 20 has been declared as the International Day of Happiness - a day to inspire action for a happier world.
Join thousands of others around the world and make a personal pledge to bring more happiness to others - through positive actions in your life.</b><br />
<br />
<b> <a href="http://dayofhappiness.net/about/">LEARN MORE ABOUT THE DAY OF HAPPINESS and SIGN THE PLEDGE!
</a></b><br />
<br />
#happyday<br />
<br />
<b>ALSO, to find joy and happiness, read stories of inspiration, innovation and imagination at <a href="http://www.ourcollectivegood.com/" target="_blank">OUR COLLECTIVE GOOD</a>.</b><br />
<br />
<b>Then put all manner of GOOD into action by joining us at <a href="http://www.wishadoo.org/" target="_blank">WISHADOO!</a></b><br />
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<br />D. Patrickhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03820932934212637429noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3455344006120322791.post-68393248605501109542013-03-12T12:12:00.000-04:002013-03-12T12:12:04.460-04:00Six Degrees of Compassion<div style="text-align: center;">
<b>(My sincere apologies for not keeping up with this Google Wishadoo! Blog once the site launched. I will do my very best to post blogs here, as well as at the <a href="http://www.wishadoo.org/">Wishadoo!</a> site, henceforth.</b></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<b>By the way, please <a href="http://www.wishadoo.org/">join us</a> -- there are so many tools being put to use to put empathy, compassion, cooperation and community into action at Wishadoo!) </b></div>
<br />
<br />
<img alt="Six Degrees of Compassion" height="512" src="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-56q1Fl16NZI/UT86lpyI_HI/AAAAAAAAD74/JosFvQdizCg/s512/sixdegreeslogo1a.png" style="display: block; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; vertical-align: middle;" width="481" /><br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: green; font-size: x-large;"><b><span style="font-family: comic sans ms,sans-serif;">COMING SOON...</span></b></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: #ff6600; font-family: arial,helvetica,sans-serif;"><b><span style="font-size: x-large;">PLEASE <a href="http://www.wishadoo.org/user/register/" target="_blank">JOIN WISHADOO!</a> </span></b></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: #ff6600; font-family: arial,helvetica,sans-serif;"><b><span style="font-size: x-large;">or INSERT EMAIL BELOW TO RECEIVE UPDATES!</span></b></span></div>
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<br />Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3455344006120322791.post-53663729162566039592010-07-17T06:27:00.000-04:002013-03-12T12:06:12.778-04:00The New Wishadoo!How wonderful it is that nobody need wait a single moment before starting to improve the world. ~Anne Frank<br /><br />Indeed, how wonderful it is that there are more and more ways <em>to</em> help improve the world. Wishadoo! is one such way; an easy-to-use, comprehensive way to connect to create a better world.<br /><br /><strong>Wishadoo! is a free service providing ONE place to reach out and connect directly. </strong><br /><br />Everyone has a dream , hope or need. Everyone has something to offer another person in need. We ask you to <a href="http://www.wishadoo.com">join the new site</a> and then go to <a href="http://www.wishadoo.com/listing">the Wishlist</a> and post one or more of the above.<br /><br /><strong><center>Challenge yourself to: ASK. OFFER. DREAM. BELIEVE.....</strong></center><br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjoEcB3sKRXXF1Wxic3cjtEHmAe3Rln6BnrNSAuAmQxkapHh-Q-TUZpMhs5rgahuT_ND8mZ3P4RrzYrKlDhW4qgKbKr8kDOafSy7PPaTm1YUQU6cNdRaGz5kQJ0WWGhhgZ9qL6wgcwQv16i/s1600/hands8.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjoEcB3sKRXXF1Wxic3cjtEHmAe3Rln6BnrNSAuAmQxkapHh-Q-TUZpMhs5rgahuT_ND8mZ3P4RrzYrKlDhW4qgKbKr8kDOafSy7PPaTm1YUQU6cNdRaGz5kQJ0WWGhhgZ9qL6wgcwQv16i/s320/hands8.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5494832152971488914" /></a><br /><br />Please share this message with others and ask them to also join Wishadoo! and post in The Wishlist. Ask them to:<br /><br /><center><strong>ASK. OFFER. DREAM. BELIEVE.....</strong><br /><br />The more who gather, the better the chances of connecting to fulfill needs and wishes.</center><br /><br />Watch and share <a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PzASMa_Th10">our video</a>, join our <a href="http://www.facebook.com/group.php?gid=135006613200083&v=app_2373072738&ref=mf#!/pages/Wishadoo/151375992579?ref=ts">Facebook Page</a>, and <a href="http://www.wishadoo.com"><strong>JOIN US at Wishadoo</strong></a>! <br /><br />We look forward to seeing you there!Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0