Sangha of Auspicious Companions

August 13, 2017

a project of ServiceSpace

Let Compassion Heal Us: An Intern Examines Suffering

“Being a ServiceSpace summer intern in these past months, I have been guided into a circle of genuine friends and mentors. As part of my internship I interviewed various people in the community about their relationship to pain and suffering. One of the lessons I received is that if we hold space for each other, open our hearts, listen deeply with our full presence, detach from any projections or judgements, then authentic connections blossom. The individuals I talked to were willing to reflect on pain and suffering, unfold decades of their lives and share insights with a young stranger whom they had never met before; and vice versa, I was able to be honest and vulnerable. In the end, “I/you” transformed to “we”, and “my/your” story became “our” stories.” This poignant article by seeker and college student Sophie Wu, shares more. { read more }

Be The Change

Ask someone in your life about their experience with and insights on suffering. Listen with your whole heart to what they share.

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August 12, 2017

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The Solace of Wild Places in Nature and Ourselves

Most of us live far from truly wild places that could give us comfort from the troubles of this world, yet we badly need this healing found in nature. The Japanese recognize this need for connection to nature and have a custom they call “shinrin-yoku,” which means forest bathing. In this piece, Lucia Bettler recommends that we each take time to rest our minds and hearts in the quiet greenness of Mother Earth. “This wild world brings us solace, peace and grace.” Knowing that most of us don’t live near forests or mountains, she suggests developing simple relationships with nature to restore our spirits — things like taking a walk with a pet, watching the insects in the grass or sitting in the herb garden to rejuvenate ourselves. She reminds the reader that the medicine we all need is found in connection to the earth. { read more }

Be The Change

Walk in the silence of nature where wildness can be felt and make room for yourself to be free for a little while each day. Lucia, the author of the beautiful piece featured here is currently navigating health challenges. If you’d like to send her a positive note of well-wishes and appreciation you can do so here. { more }

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August 11, 2017

a project of ServiceSpace

Elisabet Sahtouris on Ecosophy

In this interview Elizabet Sahtouris shares how society must unite to work toward the common goal of creating a better future for our planet. In order to overcome our tendency toward destruction, we must put aside our competitive nature to work in global harmony. Ecosophy, or “the household which is wise”, she describes, is one that does not separate ecology from economy. “The old and the new worlds are living side by side or within each other right now. If we want to have a better future, all we have to do is start to create it now by living it now”. Elizabet beautifully describes the phases through which our planet has gone, and how we can improve upon the next. { read more }

Be The Change

Even as a child Elizabet was asking the big, philosophical questions: “Who are we, where did we come from, and where are we headed?” Take a little time, perhaps over a cup of coffee, to ask them of yourself, or better still, meet with a few good friends to discuss them. For more inspiration join this week’s Awakin Call with Maya Bruer. More details and RSVP info here. { more }

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Tattoo Artist Leaves a Positive Mark for Those With Alopecia

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August 10, 2017

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Looking Past Limits: The Remarkable Story of Caroline Casey

Activist Caroline Casey tells the story of her extraordinary life, starting with a jaw-dropping revelation (no spoilers). In a talk that challenges perceptions, Casey asks us all to move beyond the limits we may think we have. At age 34 she realized the three dreams she held as a teenager: to become an elephant handler, to work for herself, and to drive a race car at 185 km/h. She went on to start the Aisling Foundation, which looks deeply at disability, its attendant loneliness and its inherent positive aspects. Follow her incredible, inspiring journey here. { read more }

Be The Change

Join KindSpring’s 21-Day Inclusion Challenge that starts on August 15th. Every day, for 21 days straight, you’ll receive an action prompt that will encourage you to reflect on your daily routine from a “differently-abled” vantage point, and to take small steps towards greater accessibility in the communities and environments around you. Learn more and sign up here. { more }

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August 9, 2017

a project of ServiceSpace

A Vision for the World

Brother David Steindl-Rast has a vision for the world. One where people’s attitude is changed by whatever is given, and whatever the circumstance, whatever is given is seen as a gift. And then of course, the appropriate response to a gift is gratitude. The gift hidden in our unprecedented world crisis is an equally unprecedented opportunity. The opportunity to wake up to the madness of violence. The opportunity to look deeply into our own hearts to see and be with the roots of this violence. Here in my heart I can turn fear into courageous trust, agitation to stillness and confusion into clarity. What a gift! Following the creative intelligence of gratitude to light up the unique path for each one of us. This will change much more than a mood, it can change a world. { read more }

Be The Change

Ask the question, “Where are the roots of violence in me?” Take time to notice the sensations in your body — what is there? For more inspiration check out the Gratefulness website. { more }

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In Other News

• KarmaTube Video: How Kids See Differences
• DailyGood: Dying to Be Me
• Awakin Reading: To Know Your Mind, Pay Close Attention To It

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August 8, 2017

Small Acts of Kindness

Featured Kindness Stories

	Her literacy packets for children will plant countless seeds.
	During a life-threatening boating disaster, the crew still remained grateful.
	Her reusable water bottles helped not only the homeless but also the environment.

Idea of the Week

August 8, 2017

a project of ServiceSpace

Localization for People & the Earth

Localization has become a force around the world, but what is it exactly and why are people disgruntled with globalization? The Economics of Happiness conference in Bangalore, India explored localization and the pressures moving the world from global to local economies and ways of living. The short video introduction provides a succinct overview that leads directly into the full presentations of international experts and links to the documentary, “The Economics of Happiness.” Whether you are interested in or currently participate in the local movement, there is much more to discover. These presentations provide in-depth knowledge of where we are, where we need to go, and how we can move to a more locally based lifestyle. { read more }

Be The Change

Support your local farmers market and businesses. { more }

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August 7, 2017

a project of ServiceSpace

A Weaver of Kind Voices

Ironically, in an age where we seem to be more connected than ever, research shows that we are lonelier than ever. Inspired by the writings of Thoreau, Steinbeck, and the teamwork of his community garden, David Levins decided to break down the barriers of isolation, one conversation at a time. In 2012, he initiated A Kind Voice, a nationwide, volunteer-run phone line where people call in anytime for one-on-one conversation. Simply for the sake of sharing and being kind to one another. Filled with volunteers eager to talk about a multitude of subjects such as books, movies, travel, and philosophy, A Kind Voice is, as David says, “very much a journey to get from one place to the next. We want to make the world a kind of more connected place, one conversation at a time. So each time we have a good conversation, we win and we kind of fulfill our mission.” { read more }

Be The Change

How might you reach out to others today to engage in kind conversation?

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