This 18,000-year-old shell is ‘oldest wind instrument of its kind’ – hear its haunting sound The seashell’s music probably hadn’t been heard by humans for more than 17,000 years…
Why chase perfection when your joy loves progress? Why seek to be liked by the mass when too many within it don’t like themselves? Why aim to fit in when the game is to be a standout? Why wish for easier times when it’s the hard ones that make you strong?
To turn trials into triumph. To make failure into fortune. To change wounds into wisdom. To reform walls into windows. Such are the things that make humans. Happier.
So as the hours of your life advance. As the months slip away. As the years become decades. As the clock ticks each day.
Walk the earth gently. Care for the planet carefully. Honor your values ferociously. Protect your ambitions enthusiastically. Celebrate your friends passionately. Hold your family closely. Guard great health excellently. And be helpful to many, daily.
Do this. And. You’ll. Become. Magic. And a whole lot. Happier.
Thanks this week go to Angelica GW, Bob C & Robin S.
Look to this Day, for it is Life – the very Life of Life. In its brief course lie all the verities and realities of your existence: the Bliss of Growth, the Glory of Action, the Splendor of Beauty.
For yesterday is already a dream and tomorrow is only a vision; but today, well-lived, makes every yesterday a dream of happiness and every tomorrow a vision of hope.
Look well, therefore, to this Day. Such is the salutation of the Dawn.
-Kalidasa
For 40 years, I have been practicing and teaching the wisdom traditions at UC San Diego.
“Practice Makes Permanent. Perfect Practice Makes Perfect” so still working at it…
During Covid, I have been doing this virtually every week at work as an act of service to support our mental wellbeing and practice self-care.
One helpful skill has been learning to quiet the mind and practice present moment mindfulness by going within, exploring inner space (Psycho-nauts instead of Astro-nauts), and connecting via intuition and inner knowing with our deepest and most authentic self.
Many of us when striving to sit quietly, find our time and space hijacked by our monkey mind, so we need a redirect that tames that pesky beast in order to go deeper.
“All’s Well That Begins Well”
Here is a sampler, if you could use a 15 minute tune up, to Start the Day Right. You can also just plug in some headphones, line down on your bed if you prefer, and set the intention for the day.
If you find this valuable, we can add a few more sessions, from progressive relaxations, to guided meditations, to energy center tune ups, to out of body visualizations to a YouTube channel and send you a link- just let me know.
Upskilling Ourselves to Meet the Moment and Meet Ourselves as well as Others Where We Are At:
Later this month, as part of sharpening my saw to keep growing & to meet the moment, I am going to embark on the Awakening Conscious Leadership journey with XChange.
This program is based in large part on the lifework of my dear departed soul brother Dr Danny Friedland, founding chair of the Academy of Integrated Health and Medicine, author of one of the first textbooks on Evidence-Based Medicine, Master Facilitator extraordinaire, Conscious Leadership Coach for the leaders of Conscious Capitalism among others, and an amazing human being.
As part of my prep work, this vid (below) was shared with me, and I felt compelled to share it with you.
Why?
Like Dr. Danny, at our deepest self, we are all trying to navigate and make meaning of suffering, identify our higher purpose, face our mortality, and leave a legacy. By understanding the choreography of asking the right questions, and assembling the glorious order of things, we can find our best and highest use in our short time on this earth.
There is nothing like the fierce urgency of now to reveal the answer to the deep and rich question, we often fail to ask and answer, namely, “What Matters Most NOW?” instead of the more common question, “What am I going to do now?”
If you are looking for mindless release from the ongoing madness, then binge watch your favorite show or use another escapist device to give you relief.
I get it. I do it all the time…
On the other hand, if you are willing to get vulnerable and real with your most authentic self and courageously navigate out of these uncharted waters, buckle up and enjoy the journey!
Here’s to Joy in Every One of the Four Seasons of Life:
Vivaldi on Marimba from Crazy Talented South African Schoolchildren
Thanks to DJ King for connecting me with the Awakening Conscious Leadership ecosystem, to Vince R for the Joy of 4 Seasons, and to all my kindred fellow travelers on this incredible and mysterious journey we call life.
Changing this 1 Word in your thoughts can boost Mental Toughness and Resilience, says performance coach Why is it easier to give advice to a friend rather than to ourselves? Psychology expert Steve Magness, who has coached executives and sports teams like the Brooklyn Nets boost their mental strength, explains how a simple change to your inner dialogue can make you more resilient.
Nurture Your Soul and Open Your Heart: Sunday June 26th, 2022
Summer Solstice 2022-
The Summer Solstice:
Here is wishing you a wonderful summer solstice!
This is a time of changing seasons.
On Tuesday, June 21, summer began in the Northern Hemisphere.
The summer solstice is the longest day and the shortest night in our year.
The sun sets farthest north on the horizon.
At this time of the year, the days are warm, all the plants are energized by the sun, and the land is filled with rich new growth.
Summer is truly a celebration of the primal creative force of nature, fertile, and blooming with abundance.
Humans for many millennia have marked this sacred time in the yearly cycle of life.
Celebrating the solstice can be a beautiful reminder that our lives are part of a larger order, always changing always renewing.
The beginning of summer represents a time for purification and renewed energy.
This is a time of cutting through resistance and obstacles, using the sun energy to illuminate and light your way upon your path.
Fire is especially important, symbolizing the light, heat and power of the sun.
Into a fire, you can throw a piece of paper with written goals to achieve, and anything to release.
Now is a good time to plant seeds for a more intuitive, simpler and natural lifestyle.
Stay in tune with your inner and outer nature!
Juneteenth 2022-
What is Juneteenth, and how is it celebrated?
Celebrated annually since 1865, Juneteenth is considered the longest-running African-American holiday. But as many as 60 per cent of Americans know “nothing at all” or only “a little bit” about the holiday marking the end of slavery in the United States. Here, we explore the history of Juneteenth and explain its significance
In states where Juneteenth is still not a day off, activists see a missed opportunity It has been one year since Juneteenth became a federal holiday, but in roughly half of the country it is still not an official day off.
The recent shooting in Buffalo, New York, which authorities are investigating as a hate crime, has yet again highlighted the threat posed by domestic terrorism in the U.S. At the center are violent extremists – the most lethal and persistent of whom are white supremacists and anti-government militias. They’re part of a deeply interconnected movement which, since the 1980s, has pursued a mission to topple the U.S government with guerrilla warfare. Today, this movement is made up of highly-organized groups with paramilitary capabilities, but it hasn’t always been this way. This week, we trace the rise of the modern white power movement.
A racist Juneteenth sign at a Maine insurance agency sparks backlash online An image of the sign displayed on the front of the business was shared online Monday, gaining the attention of thousands across social media.
The COVID-19 pandemic has been an unprecedented human tragedy. Beyond its immediate impact on physical health, the COVID-19 pandemic has also exacerbated psychological suffering and mental health problems, including depression and anxiety, as pandemic-related restrictions were introduced in various forms in many countries. This has highlighted the urgent need to address the mental health dimension of the pandemic, in addition to the physical health aspects. People around the world embraced yoga to stay healthy and rejuvenated and to fight social isolation and depression during the pandemic. Yoga is also playing a significant role in the psycho-social care and rehabilitation of COVID-19 patients in quarantine and isolation. It is particularly helpful in allaying their fears and anxiety.
Join Us Online for a Live Meditation on Love with Sublime Live Music
Sunday June 26, 20224:00 – 5:00PM Central TimeNo Fee, No Registration, Join Online from AnywhereClick Here to Join
Open your heart to all of humankind. Our intention is to activate the power of love, kindness, and compassion to transform individuals, families, communities, states, nations, and the world to address the many areas that so desperately need love and healing. Through our powerful group focus, wounds will be healed and new paths will be walked. As we join together, we will uplift humanity and strengthen our bonds to our interconnected planetary ecosystem: One world under Love
Featuring a Special Performance byAward-Winning Harpist Isabel Cardenes
Just last week harpist Isabel Cardenes played with the MET Orchestra at Carnegie Hall. We are blessed to be joined by this gifted 18 year-old who is known for her sensitive musicianship and unique self-expression. Isabel is passionate about using music for healing and social change. She is the perfect artist to help us co-create a more loving future. Read More
Simply Click Here to JoinJoin us online this Sunday from 4:00 – 5:00PM Central Time(2PM Pacific/5PM Eastern)When the Zoom meeting reaches the maximum number of attendees, you can watch our Livestream on the Love Hour YouTube channel
The Longest Day is the day of the year with the most light — the summer solstice. And it’s the day Mission Fed has committed to fight Alzheimer’s disease! We’re participating in The Longest Day, a fundraising event to advance the care, support and research efforts of the Alzheimer’s Association. Mission Fed is also very proud to be the title sponsor for Alzheimer’s & Brain Awareness Month all throughout June in San Diego. Many of our employees, board members and members’ families have been touched by this disease and we want to help.
Did you know that Alzheimer’s is the most expensive disease in America, and one of the most feared? Left unchecked, it can destroy finances, families and futures.
Today, an estimated 50 million people worldwide are living with Alzheimer’s or other dementias, including more than 6 million Americans. In the United States alone, more than 11 million friends and family members are providing their care. We must take action now, or these numbers will continue to rise.
Stand up to the darkness of Alzheimer’s and join us in making a donation today to help the Alzheimer’s Association support all those facing the disease. Thank you!
Mission Fed Just Earned Juntos Avanzamos Designation:
The Only Credit Union in San Diego County and Why It Matters
We recently celebrated this milestone with a Juntos Avanzamos Proclamation Ceremony to support the spirit of what Juntos stands for, a commitment to serving and empowering Hispanic consumers. If you have a few minutos to spare, I encourage you all to watch the video with ceremony highlights, and focuses on how credit union members and our community will benefit from these financial inclusive efforts.
What’s the oldest tree on Earth—and will it survive climate change? Bristlecone pines in the western U.S. have been alive for nearly 5,000 years, but an upstart Patagonian cypress challenges that record.
This woman navigated a 3,000-mile Pacific voyage without maps or technology Polynesian wayfinding has long been a patriarchal tradition. Lehua Kamalu is breaking the mold—and helping to lead a revival of the ancient skill.
To Fall Seven Times, To Rise Eight Times, Live Starts from Now-
High school hurdler bounces back from a fall to seal an incredible victory Race favorite, Abby Dennis of Old Tappan High School, NJ, gets up after falling at the Bergen County Championships to win the 100-meter hurdles.
Thanks this week to all of you that do important and meaningful work, that love and preserve nature, that help humanity way find our journey ahead and model perseverance in the face of overwhelming odds…
If you find this blog valuable, please subscribe and share it, as many of us are not ok, and you never know whose life you are going to positively touch with a small act of kindness:
Optical Illusions: What Causes Them? Try Some Out! Abigail Howell, a biomedical student at Arizona State University, explains that there are three different types of optical illusion, in which the brain incorrectly interprets what the eyes are seeing:
Only 1% Of People Can Spot Second Tiger In This Optical Illusion Get your eyeballs around this trippy tiger picture, and prepare for your mind to start fizzing as you try to spot the hidden second tiger
A rare, 5-planet alignment will take over the sky this month Mercury, Venus, Mars, Jupiter and Saturn will align in the month of June, with the waning crescent moon making a special appearance on June 24.
Watch Carlos Santana Re-Record ‘Oye Como Va’ With Musicians From Around The World The Playing For Change video features Cindy Blackman Santana, Becky G, Tito Puente, Jr., Rubén Rada, and more than 20 others
Thanks this week goes to Bob C, technologists making life better, and musicians playing for joy and change!
Please pay it forward this week, as many of us are not ok, and you never know whose life you are going to positively touch with a small act of kindness…
An Elementary Schooler Told This Child Psychologist Not To Worry About School Shootings, And The Reason Why Is Gut-Wrenching “I just got done with a session with an elementary schooler who asked me if when I saw the news yesterday, I was sad like her mommy or if I was scared.”
Pope Francis and a cardinal say it’s time for the U.S. to act on guns “It is time to say enough to the indiscriminate trafficking of arms,” Pope Francis said on Wednesday, as he sent condolences to families in Uvalde, Texas.
‘The Onion’ has republished a grim headline about mass shootings 21 times since 2014 The satirical news site publishes modified versions of the article after major mass shootings, always with the same headline: “No Way To Prevent This,’ Says Only Nation Where This Regularly Happens.”
Australia confiscated 650,000 guns. Murders and suicides plummeted. It was one of the world’s largest mandatory gun buybacks — and it was a smashing success.
San Diego students walk out of class to protest gun violence after Texas school shooting In the wake of the Robb Elementary School shooting in Uvalde, Texas, thousands of students from San Diego County and across the country walked out of their classrooms in protest of gun violence.
Comfort dogs have been deployed to Uvalde, Texas, from near and far At least five organizations in and beyond the state have sent dogs to Uvalde, where they are visiting hospitals, churches and schools. Many have responded to other mass shootings across the country.
A Florida class president couldn’t discuss being gay in high school graduation speech — so he talked about his curly hair The class president at a Florida high school says he wasn’t allowed to share his experience as a gay student in his graduation speech or how the state’s so-called “Don’t Say Gay” law will affect students like him, so he talked about something else that makes him a little different from his classmates — his curly hair.
3 books all recent college graduates should read, according to a career expert There’s no manual for what to do after leaving school, but books can provide practical advice and inspiration on how to succeed in this next chapter.
Why we need to keep every soul safe, alive and thriving-
5-year-old Italian piano prodigy plays astonishing Mozart for competition audience The young pianist impressed the competition judges with instinctive talent, well beyond his years…
It was the best of times, it was the worst of times…
“If you are neutral in situations of injustice, you have chosen the side of the oppressor”
– Archbishop Desmond Tutu
This week:
Armani’s Mambo
Women’s Rights with Amanda Gorman
The latest chapter in our deepening moral and political crisis in the US
The American economy is lumbering under monopoly and oligopoly
Did you see the Super Flower Blood Moon last Sunday?
Student with non-speaking autism gives powerful valedictorian speech
Strangers save a woman who had a medical episode while driving
Boxer Terence Crawford’s 7 year old daughter loses her shoe, then dominates field in stunning track meet
Armani’s Mambo to Feel From the Soul:
Reset your soul scape with this original composition by my son Arman:
Armani’s Mambo is an original Mambo inspired by Latin legends such as La Sonora Santanera, Poncho Sanchez, Louie Cruz Beltran and more… Vamos a Bailar!
The latest chapter in our deepening moral and political crisis in the US-
The Numbers Don’t Lie in America’s Gun Violence Problem:
Over the past decade, the Anti-Defamation League has counted about 450 U.S. murders committed by political extremists.
Of these 450 killings, right-wing extremists committed about 75 percent. Islamic extremists were responsible for about 20 percent, and left-wing extremists were responsible for 4 percent.
Nearly half of the murders were specifically tied to white supremacists:
Source: Anti-Defamation League
As this data shows, the American political right has a violence problem that has no equivalent on the left. And the 10 victims in Buffalo this past weekend are now part of this toll. “Right-wing extremist violence is our biggest threat,” Jonathan Greenblatt, the head of the ADL, has written. “The numbers don’t lie.”
Buffalo is part of that unfolding American tragedy:
Events in Buffalo require a response that goes far beyond allyship…
The American Economy is lumbering under monopoly and oligopoly-
What BlackRock, Vanguard and State Street are doing to the Economy:
Their combined $22 trillion in managed assets is equivalent to more than half of the combined value of all shares for the companies in the S&P 500 (about $38 trillion)
Source: Anti-Defamation League
Happy Soul Food Friday! 