“Have Death at All Times Before Your Eyes”
— From the 1,500-year-old Rule of Saint Benedict

Fare Thee Well Senator John McCain A True American Hero, and Playwright Neil Simon A True American Treasure:

Powerful Farewell Statement from Senator John McCain

Phoenix, Arizona – Rick Davis, Senator John McCain’s former presidential campaign manager and a family spokesman, read the following farewell statement from Senator McCain at a press conference at the Arizona State Capitol in Phoenix, Arizona this week:

“My fellow Americans, whom I have gratefully served for sixty years, and especially my fellow Arizonans,

“Thank you for the privilege of serving you and for the rewarding life that service in uniform and in public office has allowed me to lead. I have tried to serve our country honorably. I have made mistakes, but I hope my love for America will be weighed favorably against them.

“I have often observed that I am the luckiest person on earth. I feel that way even now as I prepare for the end of my life. I have loved my life, all of it. I have had experiences, adventures and friendships enough for ten satisfying lives, and I am so thankful. Like most people, I have regrets. But I would not trade a day of my life, in good or bad times, for the best day of anyone else’s.

“I owe that satisfaction to the love of my family. No man ever had a more loving wife or children he was prouder of than I am of mine. And I owe it to America. To be connected to America’s causes – liberty, equal justice, respect for the dignity of all people – brings happiness more sublime than life’s fleeting pleasures. Our identities and sense of worth are not circumscribed but enlarged by serving good causes bigger than ourselves.

“‘Fellow Americans’ – that association has meant more to me than any other. I lived and died a proud American. We are citizens of the world’s greatest republic, a nation of ideals, not blood and soil. We are blessed and are a blessing to humanity when we uphold and advance those ideals at home and in the world. We have helped liberate more people from tyranny and poverty than ever before in history. We have acquired great wealth and power in the process.

“We weaken our greatness when we confuse our patriotism with tribal rivalries that have sown resentment and hatred and violence in all the corners of the globe. We weaken it when we hide behind walls, rather than tear them down, when we doubt the power of our ideals, rather than trust them to be the great force for change they have always been.”

“We are three-hundred-and-twenty-five million opinionated, vociferous individuals. We argue and compete and sometimes even vilify each other in our raucous public debates. But we have always had so much more in common with each other than in disagreement. If only we remember that and give each other the benefit of the presumption that we all love our country we will get through these challenging times. We will come through them stronger than before. We always do.

“Ten years ago, I had the privilege to concede defeat in the election for president. I want to end my farewell to you with the heartfelt faith in Americans that I felt so powerfully that evening.

I feel it powerfully still.”

“Do not despair of our present difficulties but believe always in the promise and greatness of America, because nothing is inevitable here. Americans never quit. We never surrender. We never hide from history. We make history.”

“Farewell, fellow Americans. God bless you, and God bless America.”

 

“I love living. I have some problems with my life, but living is the best thing they’ve come up with so far.”—Neil Simon

To the Editor:

Re “Neil Simon, 1927-2018: A Broadway Master Who Paved the Way for a Sitcom Explosion” (front page, Aug. 27):

In the midst of my unhappy childhood, Neil Simon’s work beckoned me into another world. The little summer theater near where I grew up would present various works each year, and Mr. Simon’s plays featured prominently.

His characters were serious, struggling and, above all to me — so desperate for another experience — so very funny. Mr. Simon once stated: “I love living. I have some problems with my life, but living is the best thing they’ve come up with so far.”

Thank you, Neil Simon. You will always have a place in my heart.

Catherine Grey
Langley, British Columbia

 

What We Can Learn From History When Two Continents and Three Religions Could Operate Harmoniously in a Spirit of Tolerance and Acceptance:
Some moons ago on a trip to Spain and visiting the city of Cordoba, I was moved to tears in a tiny museum at Torre de la Calahorra by an exhibit called The Meaning of Life in Al-Andalus, when Cordoba was the leading cultural and economic center and the major educational center of Europe.
Here was a time when two continents- Europe and Africa, three major religious/cultural groups- Judaism, Islam and Catholicism operated harmoniously and collaboratively in a spirit of tolerance and acceptance of each other’s beliefs and faiths while arduously practicing their own.
This little booklet captures this spirit from the great leaders of the time; Maimonides Averroes, Alfonso X. & Ibn Arabi and takes about 10 minutes or less to digest

May we learn from history and manifest our own destiny with a weighted scale for equity, a rich tapestry of diversity, all creating a pride of place and belonging for all who are part of the UC San Diego experience where all are presented but none are under-represented.

Torre De La Calahorra

 

If you are local…
Several Opportunities to grow your Conscious Leadership, Purpose Practice and Civic Engagement
Must be present to win!

Conscious Leadership Workshop with my friend and colleague Dr. Danny Friedland on Sept 11^th in the Golden Triangle
Purpose-Driven Philanthropy at the North County Philanthropic Council with me on Sept 14^th in North County
Power in Purpose: 20^th Anniversary Cause Conference Early Bird Tickets Close Today- for October 11^th (Pre-Conference) and 12^th (All Day Event) Sign Up and Bring a Partner!

Join us on Tuesday, September 11th from 5:30 – 8:00p.m. for a Conscious Leadership Workshop.

Hosted by Conscious Capitalism San Diego and Purpose San Diego at Corporate Alliance

Catalyzing Conscious Leadership By Leading Well from Within With Daniel Friedland, MD CEO of SuperSmartHealth

Leadership is an act of influence. Conscious Leadership elevates your influence to lead from your highest self—where you are more self-aware, present, compassionate, confident, decisive and effective—so you can more fully connect with all stakeholders and cultivate conscious actively engaged cultures that thrive in achieving purpose driven results.

Join us for a dynamic and interactive event in which Dr. Daniel Friedland will share a neuroscience and mindfulness-based framework outlining the new science, skills and practices to better navigate stress and optimize your conscious leadership mindset— as well as coach others to do the same—so you can be most influential and fulfilled in creating a meaningful difference for the benefit of all.

REGISTER FOR THIS EVENT

Dr. Daniel Friedland, is an expert on the science and practice of Conscious Leadership and author or Leading Well from Within: A Neuroscience and Mindfulness-Based Framework for Conscious Leadership.

“Dr. Danny” helps leaders and their organizations leverage neuroscience and mindfulness-based skills and practices to better navigate stress, clarify vision and purpose, and create high performing teams and thriving cultures to multiply their positive impact in the world. His expertise from publishing one of the early textbooks on Evidence-Based Medicine has enabled him to apply science-based solutions to do so.
WATCH A SAMPLE OF THE TALK HERE

Tuesday, September 11th
5:30-6:00pm Networking, Light Appetizers & Drinks
6:00-8:00pm Presentation & Workshop

Pricing:

• CCSD Members – $15
• Friends of CCSD – $25 (promo code required)
• Purpose San Diego Members – $15 (PURPOSESD)
• Non-Members – $30

New Members – $100 (Become a new member today and get this event for FREE!)

REGISTER FOR THIS EVENT

Address/Parking Info:
Corporate Alliance
9540 Towne Centre Dr, Ste 150, San Diego, CA 92121

Parking is free in the main parking lot by the building.

 

 

NCPC presents
Keynote Speaker Neville Billimoria

 Join keynote speaker Neville Billimoria to explore ways we can think and act differently in our work together. Neville will lead an engaging luncheon discussion on purpose-driven philanthropy to complement our morning workshop.

Neville is an effective communications and values leader, growing organizations through external marketing, media, and sales effectiveness, as well as internal organizational alignment, corporate communications and leadership development.

Mission Federal Credit Union where he has accountability for a strategic array of crucial outward facing functions including marketing, community relations, corporate giving as well as promoting Mission Fed’s public image and brand.

Neville serves on several boards including; 2018 National Philanthropy Day Honorary Committee Chair, AMA Cause Conference 2018 Co-Chair, Conscious Leaders Collective & Conscious Capitalism Roundtable member, Real World Scholars Board member, Alliance 4 Empowerment Board member, Ackermann Foundation Board member as well as Oceanside Promise and Leadership Board/Advisor.

After graduating from UC San Diego, Neville remains involved on the UCSD Alumni Board Executive Committee, and teaching martial arts, yoga and meditation on campus for over 36 years. He is a frequent speaker on topics including brand as culture, purpose-driven leadership, social capital optimization and civic engagement.

Join Neville and NCPC to experience ways we can
keep purpose at the heart of our work!

Friday,
September 14, 2018 

Morning Registration: 9:30 a.m.
Workshop: 10:00 -11:30 a.m.
Luncheon Registration: 11:30 a.m.
Luncheon: 12:00 Noon – 1:30 p.m.

CLICK HERE TO PAY ONLINE

Morning Workshop:
$25 for members
$35 non-members

Luncheon:
$35 for members
$45 for non-members

Attend both sessions at a discounted rate!
$55 for members
$75 for non-members

Please note space is limited for Workshop – REGISTER EARLY!

Contact
Sandra@ncphilanthropy.org or 760-729-6711 with any questions.

Location
Westin Carlsbad Resort & Spa
(formerly Sheraton)
5480 Grand Pacific Dr., Carlsbad 92008

 

Join Chamber of Purpose and other Purpose Leaders at the 20th Annual Cause Conference

$50 OFF EARLY BIRD DISCOUNT EXPIRES AUGUST 31.
USE PROMO CODE “CoPFriends” AT CHECKOUT!

REGISTER TODAY!

Dear Chamber of Purpose Community,

I’m energized to journey with you on this quest to bring more purpose practices to the people and organizations in San Diego and the region! This summer has flown by, but we’ve been working diligently behind the scenes on a host of set-up efforts.

I’m most pleased to announce that the Chamber of Purpose is co-sponsoring the 20th San Diego Cause Conference along with AMA San Diego. I am honored and excited to co-chair the CauseCon with my friend and colleague, Neville Billimoria. This is the largest conference of its kind on the West Coast and offers remarkable opportunities to connect with purpose-minded leaders in a setting of inspired learning.

Our theme is Power in Purpose: Advancing the New World of Cause + Commerce. We need your continued involvement and engagement in this work to define a new metric for what it means to be HUMAN-KIND in San Diego and beyond! I hope to see you there!

Please register today to take advantage of the Early Bird Discount* and join us to meet and collaborate with leaders from across the for-profit, nonprofit, civic and education business sectors. During CauseCon, we will hold a special Chamber of Purpose update session for you and other colleagues that have been involved over the past year.

And stay tuned for a video update email from Neville and me regarding the latest exciting developments with San Diego Chamber of Purpose.

With much appreciation,

Eric Kaufmann
Executive Director
Chamber of Purpose San Diego

 

Thanks this week go to those that model the way; past, present and future…
Pay It Forward!
Love,
Neville

Follow me on Twitter: https://twitter.com/NevilleB108
Follow me on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/nbillimoria

“Have Death at All Times Before Your Eyes”
— From the 1,500-year-old Rule of Saint Benedict

Maya Angelou would have turned 90 years old last week, but the wisdom of her words will live on forever:
Here are some profound quotes to remember Maya by…
https://www.facebook.com/georgehtakei/videos/207601989854934/

What do 90 year olds regret most?
Their responses contradict popular research on aging and happiness
…Put simply, when I asked one person, “Do you wish you accomplished more?” He responded, “No, I wished I loved more.”
https://medium.com/s/story/what-its-like-to-be-90-something-368780082573

Words of Wisdom from Ken Ravissa:

The Passing of Dr. Harry Weinberg Educator Extraordinaire:

 Dr. Harry Weinberg  also passed away in the last week.

Harry, as he preferred to be called, is a bright light in the education community and in our region and will continue to be that through his impact on so many individuals.

While he was the Valley Center Superintendent, he worked with Steve Lilly, the Dean of the College of Education at CSUSM.  Together they created the Distinguished Teacher in Residence Program at CSUSM.  This provided great teachers an opportunity to work and learn with college faculty and to provide excellent instruction to pre-service teachers at the university.  In addition, Harry worked with Steve to create the North County Professional Development Federation (NCPDF) 27 years ago.  The group started with CSUSM, SDCOE and five districts and has grown to include 28 districts, 5 charters, Palomar and MiraCosta Colleges, UCSD and CSUSM.  These collaborations between K12 schools and districts and CSUSM proved to be very beneficial to our area and are a testament to some of the great work that Harry and Steve led.

Harry went on to become the Superintendent at the San Diego County Office of Education.  He was known for his leadership by walking around.  He talked with all employees on a regular basis and really knew the people in the organization.  He retired and began teaching at CSUSM, supported districts in their recruitment of superintendents and was a frequent guest speaker for a wide range of groups.

Harry was also known for his quick wit, thoughtful reflections and genuine passion for students, teachers and administrators.  He has long been viewed as a legend in the education community and is very deserving of that title.  He touched many lives, and he will be greatly missed.

There really are no words that I can put together that are up to the task of recognizing Harry and the impact that he has had, so I will just say that he had high expectations for educators, and I feel fortunate to work with a group of individuals who would make Harry proud.

(from Brenda Hall)

Please see the message that Valley Center Superintendent Ron McCowan shared about Harry below:

Dr. Harry Weinberg’s Legacy to Valley Center-Pauma Unified School District

So many who worked closely with “Harry” as they referred to him, recall how his management style, integrity and work ethic turned around Valley Center Union when he took the helm during difficult financial times.  Harry was not only successful in making the district fiscally sound, but he also was instrumental in developing an awarding winning academic, music, agricultural and dual language program that was revered by his San Diego County counterparts.  Dr. Weinberg was one of the longest standing superintendents with a 14 year tenure when the average superintendent lasts only 3 years. Dr. Weinberg’s ability to gain the trust of teachers, staff and board members was how he kept moral high and when asked about his management style he indicated, “is such that I try to persuade people rather than order them.  If you persuade, they’re with you for the whole war.  If you order they’re just with you for the battle.”

Dr. Harry Weinberg’s legacy will always be how much he was respected, admired and loved by teachers, board trustees, and superintendents.  Dr. Weinberg was instrumental in making a tremendous difference in the lives of so many in his role as the Superintendent of Valley Center Union School District for 14 years (1977-1991) and as the San Diego County Superintendent for 3 years (1991-1994). Board members had only accolades when describing Dr. Weinberg with his reputation that was known county-wide.  This stellar reputation was why Dr. Weinberg did not have to apply for the San County Superintendent job, but was offered the position after the San Diego County Board had interviewed 10 finalists from 100 applicants.

Dr. Weinberg continued to strive for excellence in schools after his post from the San Diego County Office by assisting Districts in the recruitment of superintendents.  He later continued grooming the next generation of administrators during his tenure in the Department of Education at California State University at San Marcos.  During his multiple careers he never deviated from his pursuit to develop excellent schools, teachers and administrators.

Dr. Weinberg began his position as superintendent of Valley Center Union in 1977 when it was a K-8th grade school district with 2300 students. Before that he was an assistant superintendent in the Sanger Unified School District near Fresno and taught at the elementary, junior, and high school level. He received his bachelor’s degree from UC Santa Barbara in 1957 where he also played varsity basketball. In 1961 he received his master’s from San Francisco State College and in 1973 he received his doctorate from the University of the Pacific.

His work is still reflected in the day to day operations of many school districts who continue to follow his sage mentoring and guidance to strive for excellence. Hats off to Dr. Weinberg and may he always stay with us.

Harry’s Homilies:

It’s what you learn after you think you know it all that counts in life – John Wooden

• No one ever learned anything when they were talking
• You can learn a lot from people who disagree with you
• Slower is faster
• Persuade – Don’t order
• Don’t tell – Ask
• Don’t major in minors
• Exit interviews = Continuous improvement
• If it’s not monitored, it’s optional
• Remember to say, “Thank you.”
• Don’t teach a drowning person how to swim
• Listen, then speak
• Don’t get your honey where you get your money
• Never do anything you wouldn’t want to read about in the morning papers
• Tell me and you have a friend, let me find out and you have a judge
• Make the right things easy, the wrong things difficult
• Do not command what you cannot enforce
• Tell the truth, it’s easier to remember
• Leaders listen, learn, and affirm
• Show up
• Leaders don’t take other people’s monkeys
• Bad news is additional information
• Letting a mistake bother you is a mistake – correct it and move on
• It takes three cups of tea to build a relationship
• Knowledge is power
• Leaders are the thermostat, not the thermometer
• Leaders ask, “What do you think?”

Unfortunately, we have to live most of our life before we learn to get the most out of our life.

© Dr. Harry Weinberg

 

If you are local…

20^th Anniversary of the Cause Conference Early Bird Tickets Are On Sale and I am Proud to Serve as a Co-Chair Again This Year:

Get ready to collaborate with San Diego’s purpose-driven community representing leaders across the business, nonprofit, investors, government, and education sectors. The 20^th annual Cause Conference^™ is set for Friday, October 12^th at the beautifully renovated Town & Country Convention Center in Mission Valley. Get ready to collaborate with San Diego’s purpose-driven community representing leaders across the business, nonprofit, investors, government, and education sectors. The 20^th annual Cause Conference^™ is set for Friday, October 12^th at the beautifully renovated Town & Country Convention Center in Mission Valley, with a pre-reception event the night before at National University.
http://sdama.org/events/2018-cause-conference/

Take Advantage of This Hometown Offer:

Refer a Friend—now with more options!

Now your friends and family can earn $40 when they open any one of these services and meet the promotion criteria:

• Checking Account
• Credit Card
• Auto Loan
• Personal Loan
• Mortgage Loan
• Home Equity Loan

And, you’ll earn $40 for referring them to Mission Fed!

Refer a Friend

Tell your friends to open an account by September 30, 2018!

Make sure your friends and family take advantage of this great offer and have them bring the coupon from our website with them when they visit the branch. There’s no limit to how many people you can refer!

Plus, all year long we are rewarding members with our $1 Million Mission Fed Money Match. Are you next?

Cash in on the details. The new primary member must be 18 years of age, open Mission Fed eligible accounts and meet the minimum transaction requirements for the accounts they choose by 9/30/18. To be eligible, the new member may not be a signer on a Mission Fed account within the last twelve (12) months. The new member must be eligible for membership and all accounts and loans are subject to approval. The new Checking Account must have a minimum of five (5) eligible member-initiated transactions completed and posted to the account prior to the 91st day of initial account opening. A Mission Fed Credit Card must be opened with a minimum of five (5) purchase transactions or one (1) balance transfer posted within 90 days of initial account opening. New Auto Loans, Personal Loans, Mortgage Loans and Home Equity Loans must be funded within 90 days of initial account opening. Indirect auto loans, share secured loans and auto leases are not eligible for this promotion. A Savings, Checking or Money Market Account must be opened in addition to the new loan or credit card. Upon satisfaction of the above requirements, the $40 will be automatically deposited to the new member and referring member accounts on the 91st day of the new member’s initial account opening. $500 minimum balance required to earn .05% Annual Percentage Yield on Smart Checking as of 8/1/18. Visit MissionFed.com/Refer-A-Friend for Official Rules, a list of eligible member-initiated transactions and other details. No other promotional offer may be used in conjunction with this special offer. Programs, rates, terms, conditions and services are subject to change without notice. For Mission Fed Money Match, certain restrictions apply; visit MissionFed.com/MoneyMatch for Official Rules.

Thanks this week go to Hitendra M, Mehrad N, Brenda H, Glenda O as well as the Cause Conference and Mission Fed teams!

Please pay it forward…
Love,
Neville

With That Moon Language
Admit something:
Everyone you see, you say to them, “Love me.”
Of course you do not do this out loud, otherwise someone would call the cops.
Still, though, think about this, this great pull in us to connect.
Why not become the one who lives with a full moon in each eye
that is always saying,
with that sweet moon language,
what every other eye in this world is dying to hear?
-Hafiz

This week:

“Despite what the achievement culture teaches, dignity does not depend on what you do, how successful you are or whether your school calls you gifted.
Infinite worth is inherent in being human.
Every human encounter is a meeting of equals.
Doing community service isn’t about saving the poor; it’s a meeting of absolute equals as both seek to change and grow…”

 

Our Culture Does a Pretty Good Job of Ignoring the Uniqueness and Depth of Each Person
David Brooks on Personalism: The Philosophy We Need. Is it time for a revival of personalism?
https://www.nytimes.com/2018/06/14/opinion/personalism-philosophy-collectivism-fragmentation.html

 

“With the exception of the French, all respondents overestimated the share of Muslim immigrants and underestimated the share of Christians.
They also estimated that immigrants were more numerous than they really are.
In US, the country where disparity between perceptions and actual numbers was the most striking, respondents put immigrants’ share of the country’s population at 36%. It’s only 10%.”

A Harvard Study Shows that Just Thinking of “Immigrants” Makes People Less Generous:
Harvard University researchers looked at the common threads between the backlash against immigrants in this and other developed countries.
Their findings, circulated by the National Bureau of Economic Research, point to misinformation and prejudice…
https://qz.com/1319538/harvard-research-shows-people-in-france-germany-italy-sweden-the-uk-and-the-us-are-less-generous-after-thinking-about-immigrants/

 

Rare Photos: The Passage of Time Gives Us Perspective
Some of these will make you pause and reflect…
Kids for Sale? WTF?
rarephotos

“Things Are Way to Urgent to Rush”

An Antidote…

The First Thing You Learn At Monk School with Jay Shetty:
Wisdom traditions focus on the root of things. Why have we moved away from them?
https://www.facebook.com/JayShettyIW/videos/2073749546272833/

 

Thanks this week go to Elizabeth D, Chris B, Marlaine C and all of ye.
Breathe…

Love,
nb

Follow me on Twitter: https://twitter.com/NevilleB108
Follow me on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/nbillimoria 

“Unfortunately, we have to live most of our life before we learn to get the most out of life…”

This week:

Sports Psychology Loses One of Its Greats- Ken Ravizza!
“Forget the last game, forget the last play and forget the excuses.”
We could all benefit from a mental conditioning coach…
Once he said what he teaches is all yoga!
https://www.nytimes.com/2018/07/25/sports/ken-ravizza-sports-psychologist.html

Watch It!
The Bleeding Edge: New Documentary Film is Scathing Indictment of FDA’s Regulation of Medical Devices-A new Netflix documentary – The Bleeding Edge  – highlights a wide range of systemic flaws in the FDA’s regulation of medical devices. As always, the patient stories are truly heartbreaking (and often clinically gruesome), but what makes this documentary different is the sheer volume of clinical and legal testimony aimed so directly and forcefully at the FDA – the one organization purpose-built to protect patients from a wide range of clinical risks – including those from medical device manufacturers.
Saw it on Netflix this week and it was mind blowing! We all need to be aware and informed
https://www.forbes.com/sites/danmunro/2018/07/29/new-documentary-film-is-scathing-indictment-of-fdas-regulation-of-medical-devices/#3703b79a26b8

Speaking of Accountability…
Move Over Sustainability Accounting, Here Comes Purpose Accounting:
Introducing Purpose Performance, a new measure of organizational performance that assesses impacts relative to the voluntary commitments organizations make to provide public benefits or to generally pursue beneficial purposes of one kind or another…
https://bit.ly/2OGZKoe

If you are local and committed to creating community, advancing your purpose practice, bringing these purpose principles into your enterprise, as well as addressing some of San Diego’s most pressing issues.…

Summer Purpose Party/Conscious Culture Convening @ Culture Brewing, Next Week August 8, 5:30 to 7:30p, 629 Coast Hwy 101, Encinitas CA 92024- Discount Code Included

Conscious organizations have trusting, authentic, innovative and caring cultures that make working there a source of both personal growth and professional fulfillment.

This month join this celebration of conscious culture at Culture Brewing Company, Encinitas and join us to grow your network, get inspired and have some fun!!

Join us for the Purpose San Diego & Conscious Capitalism joint Summer Social Event!

Join us for this fun joint event with our friends at Conscious Capitalism.  Our shared ideals and overlapping communities will make this a great event for connecting with like-minded purpose-driven members of our San Diego Community!

Tickets are $15 with the code PURPOSESD

BUY YOUR TICKET NOW!

 

Thank You to Our Sponsor:

 

Thanks this week go to Mehrad N, Barbara S-B, and the rapidly emerging Purpose Ecosystem in San Diego

Play with Purpose!
Love,
Neville

Follow me on Twitter: https://twitter.com/NevilleB108
Follow me on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/nbillimoria

“We must not allow the clock and the calendar to blind us to the fact that each moment of life is a miracle and mystery.”—H. G. Wells