Sangha of Auspicious Companions

April 28, 2017

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A Nobel Laureate on the Power of Not Knowing

“Surrender to not-knowing” was the catchphrase of poet Wislawa Szymborska who offered this as a guide to participate in the wonder of creation as an artist. Whether a scientist, poet, or everyday worker we are all artists as we become co-creators in life. As we step into each moment with the willingness to allow for the unexpected to unfold, we make art with the stuff of our lives. The alternative for some is to control and define with closed minds what life should be instead of what it could be. Instead of contracting back into certainty Szymborska challenges us to live bravely in the “I don’t know” that defines the inexplicable nature of our existence here on Earth. By opening themselves to the unknown, artists of all kinds have been led to discoveries and inventions that have changed life on Earth for the better. Read more about Szymborska and her perspectives on uncertainty. { read more }

Be The Change

As we encounter what appears to be a road block or a solution, surrender to uncertainty and ask, “How else..? What if..? and Why…?” to solve a problem.

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The 2 Euro T-Shirt – A Social Experiment

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April 27, 2017

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Honorable Harvest: Indigenous Lessons in Giving Thanks

In a consumer-driven society, it’s easy to take for granted the abundance of Earth’s natural resources by which we’re surrounded: fresh air to breathe, plants, water, and food. What if we looked at each of these life-giving sources as gifts, fellow persons even, rather than mere objects for our taking? YES! Magazine writer Robin Wall Kimmerer challenges readers to consider how we treat and interact with the organic materials on which our lives depend, and look more closely at how we can replenish as much as we absorb. The Honorable Harvest, an indigenous practice, applies to every exchange between people and Earth, and is governed by reciprocity, gratitude, and taking only what you need. Kimmerer writes, “When we speak of the living world as kin, we also are called to act in new ways, so that when we take those lives, we must do it in such a way that brings honor to the life that is taken and honor to the ones receiving it.” { read more }

Be The Change

What are some ways you can reduce consumption and give back to the Earth? Share your thoughts in the comments section below.

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April 26, 2017

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Will Rosenzweig: Business Lessons from a Quiet Gardener

When William Rosenzweig learned he had been awarded the prestigious Oslo Business for Peace Award via a Google news alert — he immediately assumed it was spam. But it was in fact real. A 2010 recipient of this award, selected by a committee of Nobel Laureates for the highest distinction given to a businessperson for outstanding accomplishments in the area of ethical business, Will has spent more than twenty-five years integrating the practices and perspectives of an entrepreneur, venture investor, and pioneering educator in order to help transform global corporate business practice. Much of his inspiration in the corporate world comes from a seemingly unlikely place — the garden. Here is an excerpt from his acceptance speech. { read more }

Be The Change

Take a moment to observe or engage in the natural world today. What lessons can be extended to your areas of work? For more inspiration join an Awakin Call with Rosenzweig this Saturday. RSVP info and more details here. { more }

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April 25, 2017

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Crazywise: A Filmmaker Explores the Heart of Mental Illness

Phil Borges is a dentist-turned-photographer, author, filmmaker and social change storyteller. For more than 25 years, he has been documenting indigenous and tribal cultures in some of the world’s most remote, inaccessible areas. His recent film Crazywise reveals a paradigm shift that’s challenging the way Western culture defines and treats “mental illness” and highlights a survivor-led movement demanding more choices from a mental health care system in crisis. The film explores cultural differences with respect to consciousness, mental health and the relevance of Shamanic traditional practices and beliefs to those of us living in the modern world. More on Phil’s journey in this in-depth interview. { read more }

Be The Change

Find out what local organizations are doing in your community to decrease stigma toward the mentally ill, and explore how you can contribute to their work in your own way. Learn more about Phil Borges’ work here.
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April 24, 2017

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Designing for the Circular Economy

What do you do with a toaster when you no longer want it? Until recently, no one thought about that question until the toaster was ready for the scrap heap. Today, designers at the London-based Agency of Design are turning that practice on its head. As advocates of a circular economy, they believe that the best time to address end-of-life issues is when a product is first being designed and that items like your toaster should be thought of not as a disposable appliances but as products with value worth preserving. Read on to learn how these designers helping to keep products out of landfills even before they fly off the shelves. { read more }

Be The Change

Before you throw something away, can you think about how it can be reused, repaired, repurposed, or recycled instead?

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In Other News

• KarmaTube Video: Rethink Reuse Clothing Spill Installation
• DailyGood: The Newscaster Who Wouldn’t Give Up On A Foster Child
• Awakin Reading: Touching the Earth

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April 23, 2017

Small Acts of Kindness

Featured Kindness Stories

	Listening to the elderly man’s life story at the market was a blessing for both of them.
	Her park bench became a “therapy listening” site for passers-by.
	He developed an app to save discarded food and help people in need!

Idea of the Week

April 23, 2017

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Broadway Theater Gives Troubled Teens a Second Act

When we transform troubled youth, we change their futures and our our own. But how to reach them? Stargate Theater in New York City has a novel approach: it pays court-involved and at-risk youth to script and stage performance pieces. This process gives youths the opportunity to express themselves while aiming to reduce recidivism, teach literacy, and provide valuable work experience for their resumes. When Christopher Thompson first arrived at Stargate, he was shut down, had poor posture, and failed to hold his head high. The program helped him express his emotions, become more confident, and have hope for the future. It was a step in the right direction at a time when he needed it most — something we should be offering more to kids in need. Read on for full story. { read more }

Be The Change

Learn more and watch a video about Stargate on their website. { more }

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April 22, 2017

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Earth Guardians: Responding to Global Crisis

Since he was a kid, indigenous environmental activist Xiuhtezcatl Martinez understood that all life is sacred and “each and every one of us is deeply connected not only to each other but to the world around us.” At 6 years old, he saw Leonardo DiCaprio’s documentary “The 11th Hour” and recognized that climate change is happening and that he has to do more. Now a teenager, Xiuthezcatl is the Youth Director of Earth Guardians, inspiring youth to understand their role as caretakers of the Earth. Earth Guardians stand up for the Earth, Water, Air, and Atmosphere so that current generations and those that follow will inherit a healthy and habitable planet. Now Earth Guardian crews are on 6 different continents and creating real change, including lawsuits demanding climate recovery plans, acting as part of Generation RYSE. { read more }

Be The Change

Today is Earth Day! Commit to an everyday action or a shift you can make to support the health of the planet. Start by joining the 21 Day Eco-Footprint Challenge that starts today. { more }

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