My Mom e-mailed me to ask what’s on my wish list today. I decided not to edit my list to try and “look good” or be “politically correct”. It’s better to examine our heart’s desires in raw form. Here’s my answer:
1) An end to Genocide in the hearts, minds, and lives of all humanity
2) A Chinese Calligraphy Teacher
3) Organizational Strategy and Legacy Planning Clients
4) A home overlooking the sea near my daughter (and/or in Morocco?)
5) A flat in London near my friends
6) An end to World War IV - terrorism - both mental and physical
7) That I was slim enough to wear Yves Saint Laurent in mourning
Living as a privileged first world citizen, I have a wish list with a broad range and even real hope that some of these things may come true. A freedom to hope and dream, even for trivial things, that I don’t take lightly.
I notice that what I want is concrete for me, theoretical for others. In my heart I feel Genocide and Terrorism are wrong but maybe, just maybe, I want an end to them because of their current impact on me personally.
And I notice that even if I do serve enough clients to own two homes, would that be justified? And will I feel sorry for myself if none of these things come to fruition? That would be a sad commentary on someone already so comfortable.
I can’t change what I want but maybe I can adjust what I think I must have. Why? So that I become the most loving person I can be, instead of the most wanting person I can be. Wants lead to things like terrorism and genocide. The only desires that seem justified are the ones that create more love, and only our hearts know the difference.
Showing posts with label Genocide. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Genocide. Show all posts
Wednesday, June 11, 2008
Wednesday, May 21, 2008
Threats to Our Species
Greatest threats to the Human Species:
1) Lack of ability to respond to a nuclear emergency
2) Microbes
3) Inability to heal from emotional trauma
4) Addictions
5) Prejudice
6) Failure to nurture and educate our young
7) Consumerism
More later on what I think we can do to lessen the threat.
1) Lack of ability to respond to a nuclear emergency
2) Microbes
3) Inability to heal from emotional trauma
4) Addictions
5) Prejudice
6) Failure to nurture and educate our young
7) Consumerism
More later on what I think we can do to lessen the threat.
Tuesday, May 13, 2008
A Fast Way to Learn
Inspired by my daughter and inspite of common sense I recently joined a 100 day fast in solidarity with the victims of genocide in Darfur. I signed up for one day of fasting at the Stop Genocide Now website and made a contribution to the World Food Programme
I confess I did a liquid fast which included my morning tea, a protein drink and fresh vegetable and fruit juice. Thus I didn’t receive the full "gift" of the fast because I didn’t have to go through withdrawal from caffeine and sugar nor did I have to threaten my health.
I was, however, surprised at the benefits I did receive. A list of my revelations and ultimately the opening of my heart for one young girl in a refugee camp in Chad is reflected in my letter to her below.
Dear Zanuba,
I thought of you all day yesterday during my fast. I wondered if you were playing or singing songs or learning something new. I know one thing for sure, you did not have enough of anything you need. I wish I could come there and bring you everything you need to grow into a strong young woman. Because I believe you and each of your friends have something wonderful and important to contribute to our human family.
Dubai Cares just gave money- a lot of money -16.6 million dollars- to help educate Sudanese Children through Save the Children UK and Sweden. This seems like a good idea but all I could think of was how will you get your share of this education, in a camp in Chad? How can you learn when you are not safe or comfortable or fed? As a girl will you get your share?
I tried to work and fast yesterday. It was very hard to concentrate, to think. I wondered how you can learn anything new after days and days of not eating properly or sleeping well.
It was hard for me to sleep last night on empty stomach. I am cranky this morning- I have not yet had my breakfast. I want to be mad at everyone and everything. I am extra tired. I wonder if it must be hard for the adults to show how much they love you when they are cranky from not eating or sleeping well.
I know my fasting cannot change your life in the camp in Chad directly, but it will mean I will never forget you and your family and friends in the camps. I will think of you three times a day, at least.
Your Friend,
Kathleen
I confess I did a liquid fast which included my morning tea, a protein drink and fresh vegetable and fruit juice. Thus I didn’t receive the full "gift" of the fast because I didn’t have to go through withdrawal from caffeine and sugar nor did I have to threaten my health.
I was, however, surprised at the benefits I did receive. A list of my revelations and ultimately the opening of my heart for one young girl in a refugee camp in Chad is reflected in my letter to her below.
Dear Zanuba,
I thought of you all day yesterday during my fast. I wondered if you were playing or singing songs or learning something new. I know one thing for sure, you did not have enough of anything you need. I wish I could come there and bring you everything you need to grow into a strong young woman. Because I believe you and each of your friends have something wonderful and important to contribute to our human family.
Dubai Cares just gave money- a lot of money -16.6 million dollars- to help educate Sudanese Children through Save the Children UK and Sweden. This seems like a good idea but all I could think of was how will you get your share of this education, in a camp in Chad? How can you learn when you are not safe or comfortable or fed? As a girl will you get your share?
I tried to work and fast yesterday. It was very hard to concentrate, to think. I wondered how you can learn anything new after days and days of not eating properly or sleeping well.
It was hard for me to sleep last night on empty stomach. I am cranky this morning- I have not yet had my breakfast. I want to be mad at everyone and everything. I am extra tired. I wonder if it must be hard for the adults to show how much they love you when they are cranky from not eating or sleeping well.
I know my fasting cannot change your life in the camp in Chad directly, but it will mean I will never forget you and your family and friends in the camps. I will think of you three times a day, at least.
Your Friend,
Kathleen
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