Sangha of Auspicious Companions

November 19, 2018

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In the Footsteps of Kabir

Possibly the most-quoted poet-saint of north India is Kabir, the illiterate, 15th century mystic who belonged to a class of weavers in the ancient city of Varanasi. Kabir was a ‘nirguni’, one who believes in a formless divinity that can be discovered both within and without. With whip-like wit, his poetry scorns outward rituals and displays of piety exhorting his listeners to seek the divine through self-interrogation, and to recognise the impermanence of manifest reality. Read on for an extract from ‘The Bijak of Kabir’, one of the most important anthologies of the Eastern tradition of Kabir’s verses. { read more }

Submitted by: Gayathri Ramachandran

Be The Change

What relationship do you have with what seems to be inexpressible? This week take notice of how you use words, and how words can skilfully point to the truth. For more inspiration join this Saturday’s Awakin Call with Shabnam Virmani, a singer of Kabir folk songs and the documentary filmmaker who helmed the Kabir Project films. More details and RSVP info here. { more }

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November 18, 2018

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Gardening and the Secret of Happiness

“By a shower of gifts and a heavy rain of lessons,” a good mother loves her children. This is how author and botanist Robin Wall Kimmerer came to the awakening of true happiness as she realized that the time spent and lost in her garden were the happiest moments of her days. Like her children lost in the wonder of digging in the soil, Kimmerer saw what was most important in her life as she was picking beans from within the “spiraling vines of her tepee trellis.” Kimmerer awakened to the beauty of being on this earth as part of a loving relationship with the Otherwith Mother Earth and all she nurtures. Read and listen to more of Kimmerer’s thoughts on nature. { read more }

Be The Change

Reflect on a moment when you have been happily “lost” in an activity or experience. Consider how can you “make more time” for these timeless moments of happiness?

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November 17, 2018

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The Man on a Mission to End Loneliness

Mike Niles had a high paying job in London, but felt that something was missing from his life. He gave up his lucrative position to start a charity, b:Friend, to help to eliminate loneliness among isolated elders. In Niles’ home town of Doncaster, a quarter of its elderly population is classified as “chronically lonely” by Age UK. An idea that took root after he visited an elderly neighbor who was lonely has led to what he calls the best job he has ever had. The companionship among the befrienders and their older neighbors show the true meaning of community. { read more }

Be The Change

Who do you know who is lonely? What can you do today to brighten that person’s life?

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November 16, 2018

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New Approaches to Healing Collective Conflict and Trauma

The challenge facing seven billion plus people now living on the planet is how to recreate the Third Side for today’s conflicts ranging from those with our neighbors to nuclear conflicts. William Ury is one of the world’s leading experts on negotiation, co-founder of Harvard’s Program on Negotiation, co-author of Getting to Yes, author of multiple award-winning books, and founder of the Abraham Path Initiative, which shines a light on the ancient path of Abraham who is celebrated for his kindness and hospitality. In this interview with Thomas Hbl, he discusses how to heal collective conflict and trauma. Ury’s belief is that the secret of peace is us, the community coming together. This Kosmos interview explores his ideas on how to bring us together. { read more }

Be The Change

Learn more about how to look past anger, fear, and even violence to reconcile our differences by listening to these TED talks. { more }

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Meet the Artist Who Shines a Light on the Lives of Migrant Workers

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November 15, 2018

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K9s for Warriors: Together We Stand

Sometimes it’s not the human who rescues the dog, but the dog who rescues the human. K9s for Warriors, a program based out of Ponte Verda, Florida, was established in 2011 to help soldiers experiencing PTSD and other war trauma disabilities. The dogs are trained to be service dogs and address symptoms in their owners such as anxiety, isolation, depression, and nightmares, often serving in conjunction with traditional treatments like medication and psychotherapy. To date, the program has rescued more than 850 dogs and 440 military service members, with an astounding 99% program success rate. “Service dogs are prescriptions on four legs,” says owner Shari Duvall. Read on to learn more about the inspiring stories behind the soldiers and their canine warriors. { read more }

Be The Change

Do something this week in the spirit of serving someone who has experienced trauma. Need a place to start? Here’s a first of it’s kind opportunity: Last week’s Awakin Call featured Janessa Gans Wilder. A former CIA officer turned peace builder. If you’d like to help transcribe a few minutes of this powerful interview (which will be turned into an upcoming DailyGood feature) you can join the crowd-sourced effort here! { more }

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November 14, 2018

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A Modern Elder Muses on Gratitude in Silicon Valley

What defines the modern elder? Wisdom? Success? Or something different altogether? In this article, Chip Conley reflects on his transition to a Silicon Valley tech startup at the age of 52, following a career in the hospitality industry. Surrounded by much younger coworkers, or “the land of the Millennials”, Chip quickly realized that being an elder today is less about reverence and more about relevance. Taking a beginner’s-mind approach, Chip thought carefully about how he showed up at work, viewing himself as both a mentor and an intern. Read more to learn about the five traits of modern elders and how much we can learn from them if we listen. { read more }

Be The Change

Which of the five traits of modern elders described most resonates with you? How can you incorporate this value into your life in a more meaningful way?

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November 13, 2018

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The Boy Who Wanted to Go to School

With hard work, determination, a little serendipity, and a lot of heart, Wubetu Shimelash made it all the way from a remote region of Ethiopia to a prominent U.S. university. This man who once fashioned sandals out of tires now dons a fedora and impresses everyone with his positive attitude, joyous spirit, and infectious smile. It is a story of true success–both for him personally, and for the community that benefits from his warm presence and talents. “‘Wherever I go, I am not lost,’ Wubetu says. ‘I go with my values. I try to adapt to a new culture without losing my culture.’ His values? Being happy. Being kind. Staying positive. Working hard. And loving. ‘The power of love is limitless,’ he says.” Read on for more. { read more }

Be The Change

Today, do something kind for someone born in another country.

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