ENLARGE THE EMBRACE

Realizing our kinship with all beings 

“We can use our difficulties and problems to awaken our heart...If we are willing to stand in our own shoes and never give up on ourselves, then we will be able to put ourselves in the shoes of others and never give up on them."                             - Pema Chodron

Thinking of others 

One of the gifts of embracing and working with personal difficulties is that we make peace with ourselves and begin to think of others. We begin to see that we are not the only ones feeling discomfort.

A thought 

Sometimes people ask if they can offer a donation. When that happens, and with a may-Wonder-Anew-benefit-others thought, I invite learning about and supporting these people and places and their work.

 

THE BUDDHIST CENTER is my sangha family and a beautiful community led by Tim Olmsted. It's open to all. Donations support the Center and retreats. Image, BC.

 

 

HOMEBOY INDUSTRIES - Gregory Boyle is the founder of Homeboy Industries, the largest gang-intervention, rehabilitation, and re-entry program in the world. Each year, nearly 9,000 people walk through their doors seeking free services including tattoo removal, mental health counseling and over 250 classes per month in life skills, substance abuse support, recovery, and wellness. Image, HI.

 

PEMA CHODRON FOUNDATION - I read and study Pema's books and attend workshops she presents. I've blogged about some of the ways she inspires me. Donations to the PCF support the sharing of Pema's teachings about how to practice peace in our communities and the world. Image, PCF.

 

THICH NHAT HANH FOUNDATION - A ten-day silent retreat with Thich Nhat Hanh brought forth Wonder Anew and deepened my meditation practice. Donations allow such things as a student to attend mindfulness teachings or retreats, a poor child to be fed, a meditation hall to be built—ways that peace activist and Zen Master Thich Nhat Hanh's practice reminds us that we are interconnected. Image, TNHF.

TURNING POINTS  provides help and hope for men, women, and children who are at risk of homelessness or who are homeless. A meal every day, free medical and dental services, basic needs assistance, and legal document, employment, and financial assistance. This organization is located in my community (Manatee County, Florida) and became a Wonder Anew project recipient. Image, TP.

 

Image note

After high winds and drenching rains, I decided to see how the Great Horned Owlets were handling the difficult weather. I hid low in the brush. Through my camera lens, I saw, just like me, the sweet baby owls soaking wet, windswept, crouched, and eyes wide open.