As I was catching up on Facebook today, I noticed the video “How To Be Alone” on my friend Pamela Dangelmaier’s FB wall. As Pamela says, this video carries a poignant message. I couldn’t agree more.
I quote Bravo, who produced this video – “A whimsical piece that explores the multi-faceted definition of “alone”; the relationship between solitude and loneliness; and the multitude of ways we can embrace being alone while negating the associated stigmas.” This video is by filmmaker, Andrea Dorfman, and poet/singer/songwriter, Tanya Davis.
There are so many lonely people in the world. Some even lonely in a room full of people. By learning to enjoy the moment for what it is, life can become more joy-full.
“This is my wish for you: Comfort on difficult days, smiles when sadness intrudes, rainbows to follow the clouds, laughter to kiss your lips, sunsets to warm your heart, hugs when spirits sag, beauty for your eyes to see, friendships to brighten your being, faith so that you can believe, confidence for when you doubt, courage to know yourself, patience to accept the truth, Love to complete your life.”
If you love to live your truth, tell your story, feel your pain, express your joy, take what you need, and give what you will – You will love Owning Pink. This is an amazing online community, that supports, offers guidance, inspiration and ideas. This is done through posts, workshops, and the Pink Posse forum. This is a safe place, free of facades. Owning Pink allows you to reclaim your mojo, and tap into your most authentic you. Owning Pink roars courage to me.
Lissa Rankin created this space for you. Here is some information about Lissa from her blog – Lissa Rankin is an OB/GYN physician, author of the forthcoming What’s Up Down There? Questions You’d Only Ask Your Gynecologist If She Was Your Best Friend (St. Martin’s Press, 2010) and Encaustic: A Guide To Creating Fine Art With Wax (Random House, 2010), a nationally-represented professional artist, a mother, and founder of Owning Pink, a website and series of workshops committed to building authentic community and empowering women to get their mojo back. She is also a dog walker, a spiritual seeker, a wife, a yogini, a chauffeur, a cook, and a music fanatic. First and foremost, she is a woman, and like many women, she once thought she had to put herself into a box and choose who to be. She now accepts that, while she is all these things, no single identity defines her. She is more than what she does. She strives to be authentic, in all aspects of her life, and she encourages others to do the same.
Lissa practices holistic women’s health at Clear Center of Health in Mill Valley, California. Her nationally-recognized abstract encaustic paintings and sculptures are represented by galleries in San Francisco, Santa Fe, Boston, Atlanta, Laguna Beach, Houston,and Bethesda. She currently resides in Northern California with her husband and fellow artist, Matt Klein, and their daughter, Siena.
Here are some links for you to connect with Lissa, Owning Pink and The Pink Posse:
The End Of Poverty is a new documentary release directed by the brilliant Philippe Diaz. Imagine listening to politicians, economists, and leading experts in the world, along with the voices of people living in poverty. This movie is the first of it’s kind.
The End of Poverty asks why today 20% of the planet’s population uses 80% of its resources, and consumes 30% more than the planet can regenerate? Today, global poverty has reached new levels because of unfair debt, trade and tax policies — in other words, wealthy countries exploiting the weaknesses of poor, developing countries.
The film premiered in NYC this past weekend at Village East Cinema, sold out some show times, and had better box office numbers than every other film playing at the Village East including Disney’s ‘A Christmas Carol’. Unfortunately because a lot of the Hollywood blockbuster’s are coming out this weekend, ‘The End of Poverty?’ will only be playing in New York for one week (ends on Thursday), so make sure to check it out and tell all your friends in NYC.
November 18th 2009 there will be a benefit preview screening in Los Angeles for Office of the Americas. A panel discussion with the director, Philippe Diaz, the founder of OOA Blase Bonpane, and philanthropist Aris Anagnos will follow the screening. Everyone will receive a free gift bag. Tickets are still on sale. Go here for more information: http://www.facebook.com
• The richest 1% of the world’s population owns 32 % of the wealth.
• Today more than one billion people live in the slums of the Southern hemisphere.
• Almost 1/3 of the world’s population has no access to affordable clean water.
• Almost 16,000 children die each day from hunger or hunger- related diseases.
• Cutting global poverty in half would cost $20 billion, less than 4% of the U.S. military budget.
Systems that create poverty have been in place since 1492 when the Spanish and the Portuguese conquered the Americas; indigenous people were killed in mass murders, mineral wealth was plundered, local economies were destroyed, and a plantation culture was established. Although the institution of slavery was abolished in the 19th century, it still exists around the world where at least 80 million people are forced to labor in terrible conditions for very little money. The filmmaker interviews poor workers who complain about being treated like slaves, abused and humiliated, and always forced to live with no security or hope for a better life.
The economic damages wrought by colonialists, with an assist from Christian missionaries, stemmed from a series of power plays that encouraged the private ownership of land, the destruction of the communal way of life, the promotion of individualism, and the stamping out of indigenous cultures. All of these developments solidified the enormous gap between the rich and the poor.
Capitalism with its emphasis on greed, profit, and political wheeling and dealing has further widened the abyss between the haves and the have-nots. Under the aegis of neoliberalism, the World Bank and the International Monetary Fund have subjugated poor nations — especially in Africa — with the burdens of international debt and economies based on raw-material exports. Two scary stories illustrate the structural violence of neoliberal polices. One is the privatization of the water supply under Bechtel (which was overturned by the angry response of the poor who could not afford it) and the injustices perpetrated on poor Africans who cannot pay for hospitals and schools.
The voices of those who have suffered set alongside the consensus of the experts bears witness to the deprivations heaped upon Southern peoples by the nations of the North who have accumulated more than 80% of the world’s resources for only 20% of the world’s population.
French filmmaker Philippe Diaz discusses his latest gem, The End of Poverty? about the systemic causes of poverty, what is terribly wrong with our system of global capitalism and its control of Western foreign policy. Interview by Jim Dingeman.
My Facebook friend Cari L Murphy is an inspiration to many people. Cari’s new bestselling book “Create Change Now” invites you to live a more abundant life. If you are into spirit renewal and manifesting your dreams, this is a book I highly recommend for you. This life is your journey. I am here to provide powerful tools for you to live your best life. I feel Cari’s book is full of tools you will love to incorporate into your life. I have included an article here “A Dose of Inspiration To Begin Your Week” that Cari wrote for her Facebook group. I know you will enjoy reading it.
~The expression of our unique gifts paves the way for CREATING CHANGE NOW.~
A Dose Of Inspiration To Begin Your Week
Our lives are truly a work of art! They are a manifestation of the gifts that we offer to the world. When we embrace and share our gifts, the true purpose of our life is clearly revealed and confirmed. We are in tune with our spiritual nature when we let go of the expectations others have of us and do that which brings us the greatest joy and fulfillment. This is living from the inside-out instead of living from the outside-in!
To move toward that which brings us joy isn’t selfish! In fact, it is the most generous thing we can do. This allows us to be in the pure, loving space of sharing our true gifts with others. The spirit of others cannot be lifted until or unless we trust our own gifts and offer them to the world.
We must not make the mistake of thinking that we have no gift to offer! Everyone has a gift to offer. Our gift is that which brings joy to ourselves and others. It is a pure and creative expression that breaks down walls, removes the symbolic armor of protection that we all wear, and allows others to know who we really are. Our gifts come from the heart. When our gifts are shared freely and openly, we will know the true meaning of prosperity. Only that which we truly love doing will touch others and bring genuine appreciation our way.
Nurturing and developing our gifts is key. We must take risks and open our hearts. Gradually, our confidence will build with ease and our light will grow and expand and awaken those that come our way. Those who refuse to begin even in a small way cannot accomplish anything. Our gifts are not meant to be hidden from the world! Joy-full individuals share their gifts with no expectation or attachments. They are content expressing their gifts without conditions. Unhappy individuals hold onto their gifts waiting for the perfect time and perfect venue to express them. Sadly, no one benefits from gifts that are withheld and kept locked away from the outside world.
Part of learning to trust our gifts is letting go of any attachments to how we feel the gift should be received. To give our gifts, we must release them and let go of any expectations regarding who will receive it and who won’t. We can’t hold onto our gifts and share them at the same time! We must give our gifts the wings they deserve!
The authentic expression of our gifts builds bridges of true connection with others. As we embrace our gifts and extend them freely, we naturally begin to move through our fears and self limiting behaviors. When others are faced with our absolute, uncompromising commitment to ourselves, they will either join us or move swiftly out of our way! Clarity emerges where ambivalence once resided. Surrendering occurs. Spirit awakens.
Spiritual work requires surrendering. Superficial work of the ego requires the illusion of control. Commitment to the pure and beautiful expression of our gifts paves the way for our dreams to become a reality. If we are really honest with ourselves, we will recognize that no one or nothing outside of us will ever prevent us from actualizing our goals. We are the only one that can sabotage the manifestation of our dreams! This is a harsh truth, yet it must be recognized and realized if we wish to create real change in our lives.
The way to CREATE CHANGE NOW is to determine what we want, commit to it, visualize it clearly, move toward our goals and embrace the opportunities that come our way, all the while surrendering our expectations of things happening in a specific manner. When we remain faithful and true to the honest, open expression of the gifts that come from the heart, we experience joy and fulfillment. That is when doors open and powerful, positive change can happen.
May you allow yourself the opportunity to express your gifts today! May you open your heart and CREATE CHANGE NOW!
My new book, Create Change Now, is available at http://create-change-now.com! I invite you to take a look if you haven’t done so already.
This painting was created by my new friend on Facebook, Sheryl Brown. We have developed a wonderful friendship. Sheryl, coming from her heart with light and love, was inspired to paint “Peaks and Valleys” after visiting Living in Courage and reading my story. I love Sheryl’s authentic art, spirit and courage. It is my pleasure to introduce you to Sheryl Brown, a Licensed Marriage & Family Therapist with a private practice & Artist.
“Here is one of my recent paintings, “Peaks and Valleys,” which was inspired by reading some of the life story of my new Facebook friend, Debra Oakland. Though she has lost a number of close family members, she explains how she has chosen to be happy and not remain stuck in grief and the pain of loss. Interestingly enough, when I started out this painting, I enthusiastically loaded up the canvas with rather too much paint (some of which I transferred to another canvas – to be posted later). I had in mind some colors from looking at photos of a joyful occasion. In the process of working on this painting, however, the phrase – “oh, the jagged pain” – (or something close to that) went through my mind. This painting then became about my perception of Debra’s experience. Our lives here on earth really are characterized by both jubilant and sorrowful times – and everything in between. And sometimes, it really ain’t pretty. I had the feeling that I muddied up the warm colors as I was mixing them, and pondered whether to “clean” them up some by adding another layer. In the end, I decided to leave it as it is. Life isn’t perfect, but we still love it.”
Looking forward to reading your comments and feedback on this new painting.
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