Monday, November 30, 2009

The Beauty of the Earth

Today, let's talk about the health & beauty of our Mother. We know she ~ thus, we ~ are at risk ... through pollution, through overpopulation, through our own egocentric belief that she is 'ours' to abuse. If we as individuals do nothing, then we are part of the problem.

From Dec 7 to 18, world leaders will meet in Copenhagen in order to come up with a new climate change agreement. This summit is considered one of our last chances to save life on earth from the impacts of climate change.

Will they have what it takes to make the right decisions?
Now YOU can make a difference.

From Dec 7 till 18, activists and internet users are invited to participate in the most crucial e-mobilization ever, by blogging, twittering, flickering and updating their status on Facebook about the progress in the climate negotiations in Copenhagen.

Please go to the fb page: http://www.facebook.com/event.php?eid=187725014248&index=1

- For Twitterers: Retweet and get updates by Following IndyACT! : http://twitter.com/IndyACT
- For Bloggers: Enlist your blog by sending an email to: comms@indyact.org

For more information:
IndyACT - The League of Independent Activists
Address: Rmayl, Nahr Street, Jaara building, 4th floor
Phone: +961-1-447192
Website: www.indyact.org

Join hands, join purposes ~ Let the Sun Shine IN!!!

Thursday, November 12, 2009

Broken Glasses

There is a comic which shows the difference between how men & women view themselves. The man, homely, bulging, balding, looks in the mirror and see Adonis. The woman, young, shapely and pretty, looks and sees a hag.

What's up with our broken glasses? More importantly, why do we keep putting them back on? Since everything we do is a choice ~ and yes, between awful and horrible is still a choice ~ what are we gaining by our misperceptions?

Surely the media's shouted view of beauty has a definite influence, but can I blame all my self-doubt on what others say? Isn't the loudest voice between my own ears? We can be so harsh on ourselves. Sometimes I literally have to say out loud, "I would never say that to another person. Stop!"

For example, you might laugh loudly and tell your friend, "That looks terrible! NO! Don't buy it!" when shopping with her. But you probably wouldn't say, in a voice loaded with disrespect, "You can't wear that, you look like a [fill in the blank]." The first is full of fun and kindness and honesty. The second is said with scorn, and seen through broken glasses.

It's time to remove the goggles. If, instead, we will see ourselves and treat ourselves in the same way we'd treat our best friend, we'll begin to smile more, and stand taller, and present nicer to the world. We'll probably find that we like ourselves better, too.

Wednesday, November 4, 2009

Gratitude

There is a plaque that hangs over my bedroom door, "With Grace and Gratitude." I wish that as my face to the world.

The company I work for teaches me to say, "Thank you." For little things, like a kind waiter. For big things, like a friend who covered my cost when I lost my credit card. For everyday things, like my kid doing his homework.

When I remember to breathe, to let a moment skip between my reaction and my response, it is a much more pleasant face that appears! I've seen the angry face ... not so pretty. And what is the benefit? Tolerance, patience, and appreciation go far in every situation.

It's not always easy, but like any skill, it gets better with practice. So, today, be gentle with yourself and others. Surprise someone and say thank you. You might discover that you are the one who smiles widest.

Blessings Be!