Your way is very good for you, but not for me.  My way is good for me, but not for you.           

                                                                                                                 Swami Vivekananda

Thank You!

On February 4th I arrived home from an exciting time in Guatemala, leading a group of 5 dynamic women.  They were interested in experiencing this wonderful place that continues to pull me back often.  What a blessing it was to have an opportunity to share this part of me!  Two days after arriving home I attended the Greater Innisfil Chamber of Commerce annual Business Awards Gala.  I was nominated for the 2008 Community Award which acknowledges significant volunteer contributions to the community.  I have always been a great advocate for promoting understanding and connection of our global community, so it was exciting to see that the Innisfil Chamber of Commerce also acknowledges this.  What an honour it was to receive the Community Award at the Gala Dinner.  In the words of Margaret Mead, “ Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful committed citizens can change the world;  indeed it’s the only thing that ever has.” 

Should Every Room Be Living?!

I was glancing through a magazine the other day and I saw a tag line on a paint advertisement that said “Shouldn’t every room be living”.  That line caught my eye.  My mind went to various thing that it could pertain to.  Shouldn’t we live every day rather than looking forward to “that special day”, waiting for the weekend, or saving our energy for a special event.  It is amazing how many days pass us by as we prepare for something special that is coming….sooner or later. Are you living every day?  How are you living it – in fear, in regret, in anger, in love, expectation, in happiness?   We do not see the world as it is, we see it as we are.  The way we see a problem is the problem; check the glasses through which you see the world, it’s up to you to chose the ones that will benefit your life.

Did you know that…

10% of MPs in Ghana are women.

21% of Canadian MPs are women.

50% of MPs in Rwanda are women.

Canada’s population is 33, 311,000 with 16,789,000 women and 16,522,000 men. (statistics Canada)  If we are a population of virtually half men and half women, we certainly have lots of room to increase female representation in parliament.

   Movie Review:  War Dance

  War Dance is a powerful documentary that follows a group of school children as they overcome nearly insurmountable odds in their quest to participate in the annual Kampala Music Festival of Uganda.  The Patongo Primary School is located in a  refugee camp where 60,000 survivors of the Uganda war live.  Against all odds, a group from this school somehow qualify to enter the festival. 

While watching the children prepare for their place in the competition, we are introduced to the intimate lives of three of the children who speak of the trauma they have survived.  This movie beautifully reflects the hopeful minds of these determined children.  It is truly an inspiring movie!

A Guatemalan Gift

Eight years ago, along with my two daughters, my friend and her daughter we had the wonderful opportunity to spend two weeks in Hogares Santa Maria de Guatelupe Orphanage.  They opened their doors, gave us a room with three beds and welcomed us to stay as their guests.  It was such a wonderful experience with all of us connecting in our own ways with both the children and the passionate nuns who run the home.  It was then that we offered healing energy initially to the children and staff, through individual treatments as well as training and attuning many to Reiki. 

November 2008 I returned to this same orphanage on my own to reconnect.  It was exciting to see that of the 89 children living there, some were those I met 8 years ago.  Many of the children have family members who although are unable to support them on a daily basis continue to have a relationship with them.   This orphanage is unique in that it is run with passion, loving caregivers and family ethics.  I asked one of the young girls how many sisters and brothers she had, and she replied “many!” 

This time my intention was to focus on offering hands-on healing treatments.   The first day they were unsure as to what I was offering but some tried.  Within a couple of days I had to create a schedule to ensure that all who wanted a treatment were booked in.  I had the wonderful opportunity to go out into the community to further offer treatments.  

What a great way to focus on pure hands-on energy treatments.  I created a little space by claiming a corner in an outdoor hallway and set up a chair.   Because some of the children were short I had a basket that we turned upside down for them to place their feet on.  I received such beautiful feedback from these people who were so grateful to both receive healing energy and personal, nurturing time and touch. 

Two months later I returned to this same Children’s home, but this time accompanied by a group of five more Canadian women.  We were in Guatemala for a week, visiting the children for only one day.  The women were so excited, bringing donations and gifts for all the children.  It was very difficult to do such a short visit this time.  There is so much to share and one day, or even two weeks is not enough.   

I am so excited about this relationship that is being build between Hogares Santa Maria de Guatelupe and myself.  What a wonderfully, fulfilling way to give back to our global community.  I am definitely in the midst of planning my return….

Posted in Latest News, Newsletter, Winter 08/09 Newsletter |

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