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Donna: "My Father's Gifts"

Jan 02, 2022, 32 comments, 1 smiles During last Wednesday's virtual Awakin Circle, Donna's heartfelt share warmed many of our hearts:

Jun 11, 2020, 2 comments, 14 smiles A beautiful prayer I had shared last night from Larry Yang's article in this week's Awakin reading. May I be loving, open, and aware in this moment; If I cannot be loving, open, and aware in this moment, may I be kind; If I cannot be kind, may I be nonjudgmental; If I cannot be nonjudgmental, may I not cause harm; If I cannot not cause harm, may I cause the least harm possible. I love how Larry has scaffolded these values in which he strives to live, yet understands that at times he may come up short in one, so he moves onto something more doable. And if that doesn't work, he works his way to something that he can do. As I read it over and over, it reinforced in me how imperfect I am. And yet, at each moment, I am exactly the being I am supposed to be.

Innocent, But Not Ignorant

Nov 28, 2019, 4 comments, 14 smiles At the Awakin Circle last night, someone spoke of their equating of ignorance and innocence. Today, that hit me in a profound way. Above is a picture of Andy. I had made some cinnamon rolls this morning, as well as a potato dish, with the intention of offering it to anyone experiencing homelessness during this time. Andy was the first person that I met. I sat down with him and just listened as he told me his story, which included his mother and brother passing away; how his sister Susan had arranged for him to live in a trailer and how he left it, which made her none too happy. He just couldn't afford it anymore, though. I decided to ask Andy if he'd like me to help find his sister. He said he's tried but has been unsuccessful and hasn't seen her in a few years. After giving me her name ... Read Full Story

A Ride To Banyan Grove

Jul 15, 2019, 2 comments, 19 smiles This part of my journey began at 6:20 am Friday morning. Along the nearly 100 miles (we did take a few detours...some even intentionally) I never felt lonely, although often alone. Vishesh met me at the Kindness Temple. Of course, Harshida Auntie wouldn't let us go without a nourishing breakfast, both physically and emotionally. And she did this all as she was also trying to get herself off to work! The next stop was Pavi and Viral's, where a planned circle with Sr. Marilyn was in progress. We arrived after about 3.5 hours on the road. Riding along the Bay Trail, it was mostly relaxing. My mind didn't have to focus on pain or wind; I was just allowed take in the nature. And then we got close to Pavi and Viral's. OK, I had to walk my bicycle up several steep hills. For me, it was a decision that ... Read Full Story

Tomorrow Morning, Vishesh And I Will ...

Jul 11, 2019, 8 comments, 20 smiles Tomorrow morning, Vishesh and I will embark on a Ride of Trust from the Kindness Temple to Banyan Grove. A trust in our bodies, the kindness of strangers, and the universe, in general. Neither one of us has ever done anything like this before; 80 miles over two days will be testing our physical limits. We'll be carrying with us water, a few snacks (maybe for new-found friends!) and a bracelet making kit. The "plan" is to ask strangers to provide us with nourishment, or even just positive messages for our short journey. Some bracelets may find their way into the hands of others, too. The universe will guide us to a safe place to rest our bodies Friday night in SF, I am sure of that. Leon Legothetis has done an extreme version of this at least twice, documenting both in the Kindness Diaries, I and II, as seen on Netflix. As I watched it, I couldn't stop my mind from saying, "yeah, but he has a film crew with him." What would it be without that, I thought? Although a very shortened journey, I still have faith in humanity and its collective kindness and compassion.

When The Kind Souls Go

Jun 13, 2019, 9 smiles I watched this short video at a museum here in San Jose, Costa Rica. This was spoken with peace and clarity at the end: When the kind souls go. From the Earth we are. From the Earth we come. And to the Earth we will returnâ€‹. When I heard it I immediately thought of many of you. On how we belong to the Earth...the Earth doesn't belong to us. The Indigenous people of Costa Rica seem to understand this better than most others. Maybe it's that way throughout the world. I'm still learning.

King Of Kindness -- Profile Of Vinoba Bhave

Mar 17, 2019, 3 comments, 15 smiles [In preparation for Arun Dada's visit, and his airport pick-up today, :) I was reading up on his mentor, Vinoba Bhave. Below is a profoundly inspiring profile by Mark Shepard, reprinted from this page, that all of you might enjoy as well. Originally excerpted and adapted from the book Gandhi Today: A Report on Mahatma Gandhi’s Successors.] All revolutions are spiritual at the source. All my activities have the sole purpose of achieving a union of hearts. --Vinoba Jai jagat!—Victory to the world! --Vinoba Once India gained its independence, that nation’s leaders did not take long to abandon Mahatma Gandhi’s principles. Nonviolence gave way to the use of India’s armed forces. Perhaps even worse, the new leaders discarded Gandhi’s vision of a decentralized society—a society based on autonomous, self-reliant villages. These leaders spurred a rush toward a strong central government and an industrial economy as found in the West. Yet Gandhi’s vision was not abandoned ... Read Full Story

Fresh Off Of A HHH Retreat, ...

Nov 11, 2018, 1 comments, 17 smiles Fresh off of a HHH retreat, where we listened to each other and ourselves, I was able to witness one member of the retreat put what she learned into action. There was a rather divisive message circulating on Nextdoor, an app that works to create connections within neighborhoods. Unfortunately, the post circulating wasn't doing that. Rather, it was filled with fear, hate, and even a touch of racism, directed at a young man accused of a crime. Upon seeing this post, Aditie responded with a post of love and compassion, even for the criminal, as she told the story about the retreat:). Then, she invited everyone for tea at her place in order to create a community of that is safe and inclusive! To paraphrase what I heard from Nnej, it's difficult to harm those who have given you fruit from their trees.

Service Club Does Lemonade In The Park

Nov 04, 2018, 2 comments, 14 smiles A few months back, some students from a club that I advise approached me for some advice. They wanted some ideas on a service activity that they could do just as a club. Calling upon what I've learned from the process known as ServiceSpace, I started to think small and simple, but something that also involved interacting with complete strangers. I sent a couple of the members two stories. One was a group offering lemonade in the park as a gift, the other was about a Miles of Smiles activity. Holding up signs at a busy intersection sounded a bit dangerous to them, and maybe a bit too far out of their comfort zone, but they loved the idea of offering lemonade as a gift. The students brought a few gallons of freshly made lemonade and homemade brownies. I pitched in with some more lemonade, sandwiches, and homemade ginger snaps. 14 ... Read Full Story

Mish Featured On Love Podcast :)

Sep 25, 2018, 7 comments, 14 smiles Not sure if you heard, but our beloved Mish was featured on a "Love Podcast". Take a listen, to hear her share her love of KindSpring, and small acts of kindness. Go Mish! :)

About Me

Donna: "My Father's Gifts"

A Prayer For Self