Gaia Community: Jayne 's Blog

DO SOMETHING - Social Action Training Live Streaming Workshops

http://jayne.gaia.com — Sat, 07 Nov 2009 20:12:32 GMT

Social Action Boot Camps bring together a diverse group of young community leaders, activists and social entrepreneurs for a day of networking and training dedicated to giving each attendee the tools to grow and sustain their community action ideas, projects and organizations.

This is happening right now - Saturday, Nov. 7 from 9 - 5:30 pm EST - and is live streaming. Check it out!!

Sessions and workshops offered on:

Path to Change: Turning your Ideas in Action
Measuring Your Impact
Building a Website
Foundations and Grant writing
Branding and Marketing: How to find your voice and tell your story
Individual Donors: How to pitch your program and manage donor relationships
Online Communications
Starting your Own Not-for-Profit
Corporate Sponsors: How to pitch your program and manage donor relationships
Public Relations: How to get press for your project
501c3 and Fiscal Sponsors: Benefits and Pitfalls
Succession Planning: How to keep your project going without you
Political Activism: How to get your local officials to listen
Recruiting and Managing Volunteers
Public Relations
Partnerships
Applying for a Do Something Grant

http://www.dosomething.org/training

Tags: do something, social action, social activism, political activism

Feast Day of St. Teresa of Avila! A Nun's Life Podcast.

http://jayne.gaia.com — Thu, 15 Oct 2009 15:53:51 GMT

St. Teresa of Avila

October 15

Feast Day of Saint Teresa of Avila!

A Nun's Life podcast tonight at 7:00 pm Central Time w/author Mirabai Starr.

A Nun’s Life is hosting a live podcast on Saint Teresa of Avila — Thursday, October 15, at 7 p.m. Central Time (time zone converter). Sister Maxine and Sister Julie will be joined by Mirabai Starr, author of a fresh translation of Saint Teresa’s writings, Teresa of Avila: The Book of My Life and The Interior Castle.

Mirabai is a writer, translator, speaker, and teacher. She has also translated Dark Night of the Soul by Saint John of the Cross. You can learn more about Mirabai and her work at her website.

The Sisters will talk with Mirabai and with listeners about who Saint Teresa is, her writings, her thoughts on prayer, and who she is for us today.

Tags: st teresa of avila, mirabai starr

Contemplative Consciousness: The Non-Dual Way - Fr. Richard Rohr

http://jayne.gaia.com — Wed, 14 Oct 2009 15:48:45 GMT

Fr. Richard Rohr

Fr. Richard Rohr - Contemplative Consciousness: The Non-Dual Way (Part 1) - on Boulder Integral.

Father Richard Rohr, founder of the Center for Action and Contemplation, speaking at New Wineskins, a Boulder Integral seminar held in October 2009. Father Richard discusses non-dual consciousness and discusses much from his latest book, The Naked Now: Learning to See as the Mystics See.

Tags: contemplation, contemplative consciousness, non-duality, richard rohr, the naked now

Why Celebrate Columbus Day?

http://jayne.gaia.com — Mon, 12 Oct 2009 15:39:39 GMT

by Randy Woodley 10-12-2009

...As an explorer, Columbus was not the first to reach the Western Hemisphere. Native Americans had been here for 10,000-20,000 years, and Vikings and Chinese are among those others who hold prior claims. Even after four attempts, Columbus never realized his goal of finding a western ocean route to Asia. As a “founding father type figure” he never set foot in what is now considered America but landed in the present day Bahamas, Cuba, and Haiti. As a Christian example he enacted terrible cruelties to friendly natives: assuming unlawful rights of authority; robbing and subjugating whole nations of their freedom and entire capital; allowing his men to rape, murder and pillage at will; and deliberately leading the way for the genocide of millions, considered by many to be the worst demographic catastrophe in recorded history.

So why do Americans celebrate Columbus Day?

Kimmie Weeks - Child Rights Activist

http://jayne.gaia.com — Sat, 10 Oct 2009 05:05:19 GMT

Kimmie Weeks - Child Rights Activist

I just returned from a gathering in a local church to listen to Kimmie Weeks talk about his work with Youth Action International. Very inspiring.

Kimmie Weeks has worked to alleviate poverty and human suffering in Africa and around the world since he was fourteen years old. Kimmie was born in Liberia 1981. When he was nine, Kimmie came face to face with civil war, human suffering, and death.

Over the years, Kimmie has formed partnerships and led organizations that have provided education to thousands of students in West Africa, lobbied the disarmament of over 20,000 child soldiers, and provided health care and recreation supplies to children.

In 1998, Kimmie Weeks investigated and released a groundbreaking report on the Liberian government’s involvement in the training children as soldiers. As a result, former Liberian President Charles Taylor made several attempts to assassinate him until he fled Liberia and was granted political asylum in the United States.

Once he came to the United States, Kimmie Weeks established an International organization called Youth Action International to support the needs of families living in post war countries. In 2008, Youth Action International’s programs benefited close to 150,000 people in six post war African countries.

St. Thérèse's Little Way of Nonviolence by John Dear

http://jayne.gaia.com — Fri, 02 Oct 2009 16:45:52 GMT

October 1: Feast Day of St. Therese of Lisieux.

saint therese

"When I sit in jail thinking of war and peace and the problem of human freedom," Dorothy Day once wrote, "of jails, drug addiction, prostitution and the apathy of great masses of people who believe that nothing can be done--when I thought of these things I was all the more confirmed in my faith in the little way of St. Thérèse. We do the things that come to hand, we pray our prayers and beg also for an increase of faith--and God will do the rest."

Dorothy Day, Thomas Merton, Edith Stein, Mother Teresa and millions of others have pondered Thérèse's life and her ordinary witness of extraordinary love. Some dismiss her as a saccharine neurotic, but anyone who tries to practice her spirituality of sacrificial love quickly realizes how hard it is, how strong she was, and how transforming her personal nonviolence can be for all of us. As we celebrate her feast on October 1st, we do well to learn again from her how to practice interpersonal nonviolence.

More...

Tags: saint therese, nonviolence, john dear, dorothy day, carmelite, little way

Homeless World Cup: Can a Ball Change Lives?

http://jayne.gaia.com — Sat, 05 Sep 2009 18:46:45 GMT

Homeless-World-Cup-08

There are one billion homeless people living in our world today.

The Homeless World Cup exists to end this, so we all have a home, a basic human need.

The Homeless World Cup is an annual, international football tournament, uniting teams of people who are homeless and excluded to take a once in a lifetime opportunity to represent their country and change their lives forever. It has triggered and supports grass roots football projects in over 60 nations working with over 25,000 homeless and excluded people throughout the year. 70 per cent of participants in the Homeless World Cup experience a significant life change having played in the competition, such as coming off drugs and alcohol; moving into homes, jobs, education and training; repairing relationships; or becoming coaches and players with semi-pro teams or social entrepreneurs.

On September 6, the Homeless World Cup kicks off in Milan. 480 homeless people from 48 different countries around the world will compete in the tournament. Eight players represent the U.S. Team and include:

Ebony Wright, the only woman on the team who represents the Urban Ministry Center in Charlotte, N.C.; Antoine Lagarde, from the Glide Foundation in San Francisco; Chris Lodgson and Dexter Burnett from HELP USA in New York; Alvin Soto from Youthlink in Minneapolis; Jorge Revolorio and Carlos Valdez, of the teen homeless services provider Jovenes in Los Angeles; and Wes Colter, from Volunteers of America in Sacramento.

All eight players have either secured housing, employment, or completed a substance abuse recovery program since joining Street Soccer USA programs. Chris, Jorge, Carlos, Antoine and Wes have all enrolled in college or completed college degrees - all showing the power of soccer and sports to help people salvage their lives.

Dubious? Curious? Do you wonder how a ball can change lives? Watch Kicking It, a film from the Homeless World Cup in Cape Town in 2006. One of my favorite movies that can open your mind and heart to homelessness. Kicking It is available for instant viewing on Netflix.

Kicking It, The Homeless World Cup Documentary

Tags: homelessness, homeless world cup, kicking it

Fierce Light: What happens when Spirit meets Action?

http://jayne.gaia.com — Wed, 12 Aug 2009 22:24:53 GMT

Fierce Light Trailer

What do the American civil rights movement, an exiled monk's return visit to Vietnam, and a community of people trying to save an urban farm in L.A. have in common? According to Canadian documentary film-maker Velcrow Ripper, they are all examples of what he calls spiritual activism, and they are just a few of the inspiring stories featured in his latest film, Fierce Light. (See trailer here.)

"Spiritual activism," Ripper explains in a recent phone interview from his Toronto home, "comes from the heart. It's beyond polarity. It's coming from a place of compassion, of hope. It's based on what we are for, rather than what we are against. It's what Ghandi called soul force, and what Martin Luther King called love in action."

He says, "I wanted to find that hope in the world, to interview the people that were doing that work -- activism with a spiritual basis, a sense of interconnectedness."

Fierce Light includes interviews with former civil rights movement leader John Lewis, exiled Vietnamese Buddhist teacher Thich Nhat Hahn, Dalit lawyer/activist Leela Kumari, Archbishop Desmond Tutu, eco-philosopher and Buddhism scholar Joanna Macy, and actor/eco-activist Daryl Hannah, among others.

From Review: Fierce Light - Spiritual Activism on film - Reality Sandwich

Fierce Light is now available on DVD and online: http://www.fiercelight.org/

Tags: fierce light, spiritual activism, compassion, love in action, sacred activism, activism

How Leonard Peltier could leave prison by August 18

http://jayne.gaia.com — Thu, 30 Jul 2009 17:23:54 GMT

leonard-peltier

The Free Press
July 30, 2009

For a formidable and growing global community of supporters, the prospect of Native American activist Leonard Peltier finally leaving prison inspires a longing that cuts to the depths of the soul.

So Peltier's first parole hearing of the Obama Era---on Tuesday, July 28---inspired hope of an intensity that will have a major impact on the new presidency. A decision must come from the Federal Parole Commission within three weeks. His attorney is calling for a surge of public support that would create an irresistible political climate for Leonard's release.

The relationship between Peltier and those who have followed his case over the decades can be intensely personal. His imprisonment has come to stand not only for five centuries of unjust violence waged against Native Americans, but also for the inhumane theft of the life of a man who has handled his 33 years in jail with epic dignity, effectiveness and grace.

Peltier's latest parole hearing convened at the federal penitentiary in Lewisburg, Pennsylvania, where he is currently held. According to Eric Seitz, Peltier's Honolulu-based attorney, Peltier spoke for more than an hour "with great eloquence" about the nature of his case, his imprisonment and his plans for freedom. "The hearing officer seemed to listen carefully," said Seitz. "We thought it went very well."

The decision on Peltier's parole will be made by the four sitting members of the Federal Parole Commission (http://www.usdoj.gov/uspc/ ) whose offices are in Chevy Chase, Maryland.

Full Article

Tags: leonard peltier, native american, parole hearing, sacred activism

The Guest House - Rumi

http://jayne.gaia.com — Sat, 18 Jul 2009 20:10:39 GMT

rumi shams

The Guest House

This being human is a guest house.
Every morning a new arrival.

A joy, a depression, a meanness,
some momentary awareness comes
as an unexpected visitor.

Welcome and entertain them all!
Even if they are a crowd of sorrows,
who violently sweep your house
empty of its furniture, still, treat each guest honorably.
He may be clearing you out for some new delight.

The dark thought, the shame, the malice. meet them at the door laughing and invite them in.

Be grateful for whatever comes.
because each has been sent
as a guide from beyond.

-- Jelaluddin Rumi,
translation by Coleman Barks

Tags: rumi, guest house, coleman barks

The HOPE: A Guide to Sacred Activism

http://jayne.gaia.com — Fri, 17 Jul 2009 03:02:39 GMT

"From the heart of the sacred activist flows a golden ecstatic torrent of passion to change all things out of love for all things." - Andrew Harvey

The Hope

Andrew's long-awaited new book THE HOPE: A Guide to Sacred Activism is a compelling guide that helps people respond to current global challenges yet also serves as a much needed wake-up call to inspire action through Sacred Activism-the transforming force of wisdom, love and compassion-in-action to affect radical change in the world.

Grab a pair of headphones and click here to listen to Barbara Marx Hubbard and Andrew on Sacred Activism (30 min. mp3).

Learn more about Andrew and THE HOPE by going to: http://www.andrewharvey.net/

Tags: andrew harvey, sacred activism, barbara marx hubbard, evolutionary mysticism, divine human, compassion in action, networks of grace

Because Living on Prayer Alone Doesn't Pay the Bills

http://jayne.gaia.com — Fri, 10 Jul 2009 17:49:41 GMT

End Homelessness @ Change.Org:

Jon Bon Jovi is going where few stars have gone before: affordable, supportive housing. The star is teaming up with Philadelphia-based non-profits to buld SRO housing to help formerly homeless men and women make the transition from the streets into housing.

Here's the scoop from the Philadelphia Enquirer:

Rock legend and homeless advocate Jon Bon Jovi is participating in a venture to build an eight-story facility to provide affordable single-unit housing for 79 men and women who want to transition from homelessness to independence.

The new building will be environmentally friendly, including a "green" roof, highly insulated walls, and a rainwater collection system. And seventy-five percent of the demolition materials will be recycled.

And, from dreamy rocker himself: "I understand to address homelessness and poverty we must come together and look for meaningful solutions. Improving the lives of Philadelphia's most vulnerable citizens improves the lives of all of its citizens."

It's funny, for all of the philanthropically-minded celebrities out there, we don't often see stars adopting "homelessness" as their pet issue. That is, unless they're standing in line at a soup kitchen. That's not to say that meal service isn't important (it is). But soup alone will not address the root cause(s) of homelessness, hunger, and poverty.

It's no wonder that housing and homelessness aren't favored by Hollywood publicists. It's a domestic issue with few photo ops and beneficiaries who are stigmatized by unfair and misguided stereotypes.

But leave it to Bon Jovi to make homelessness sexy.

Original Post on Change.org.

Tags: end homelessness, jon bon jovi, poverty, housing

Reciprocity Foundation: Innovative Program for Homeless Youth

http://jayne.gaia.com — Fri, 10 Jul 2009 17:21:37 GMT

Reciprocity Foundation. Be The Change You Want to See in the Worl

Each year, up to 2.8 million youth experience homelessness-a group roughly equivalent to 1% of the U.S. population. The causes of homelessness are numerous and range from being orphaned, fleeing chronic abuse or simply escaping economic problems. Some youth are called "throw-aways" because their parents and guardians force them out of the home because of sexual orientation or beliefs.

Taz Tagore and Adam Bucko founded the Reciprocity Foundation to enable homeless and high-risk youth and young adults to permanently exit the social services system and start meaningful, sustainable careers in the Creativity Economy (e.g. fashion, design, marketing, PR). The Reciprocity Foundation aims to build a national network of programs to enable homeless youth to enroll in college, secure hands-on work experiences and build a professional network in their field of interest. Currently, their work is focused on the thousands of homeless youth in New York City; in the future, the Reciprocity Foundation plans to expand into cities such Los Angeles, Boston, San Francisco, Seattle and Austin.

Click here for more info & how to Get Involved.

Tags: reciprocity foundation, homelessness, homeless youth, adam bucko

Dignity Village & 30 "Homeless Innovations"

http://jayne.gaia.com — Wed, 08 Jul 2009 18:27:16 GMT

dignityvillage

According to the Substance Abuse & Mental Health Services Administration, about 3.5 million adults & children are homeless over the course of a year. This astonishing statistic has inspired a number of designers & innovators to create solutions to raise the comfort level of the homeless & awareness of their situation. From pop-up inflatable homeless shelters to mobile homes for the homeless, there are quite a few innovations that aim to improve a homeless person's condition.

30 Homeless Innovations: Article/Slide Show Link

Unfortunately, not all of the homeless innovations in the slideshow are positive. There are also a handful of disturbing viral news stories about the homeless, including teen ‘sport' killings and bumvertising.

Dignity Village

My favorite 'innovation' is Dignity Village in Portland. I visited there a couple of years ago and sat in the village for a while listening to the story of the creation of the community and how it is managed. Went on a tour and was so impressed on many levels.

Dignity Village

Dignity Village is a place in Portland, Oregon where 50 to 60 homeless people can pitch tents or live in makeshift shelters. They are able to plant gardens and participate in a number of green-lifestyle activities. This arrangement serves both the residents of the village and the citizens of Portland by keeping homeless people from sleeping in doorways or on the streets.

Click here for full article.

Tags: homelessness, homeless shelter, dignity village

What do you think is the root cause of homelessness?

http://jayne.gaia.com — Wed, 08 Jul 2009 15:44:38 GMT

Root cause of homelessness - Alcohol & drug abuse, addictions, loss of a job, the economy, bankruptcy, family problems and break-ups, lack of education - not being qualified for well paying job, poor judgement, making bad choices and laziness, choice - some people just choose to be homeless, mental illness, physical disability, abuse in the home - youth runaways, violence against women.

"What is the root cause? How do we put an end to it? How do we solve the problem of homelessness? We need to be asking these questions and seeking solutions because homelessness is a problem right across Canada, the United States and the world. It takes on different characteristics in different cities and cultures, but it is a disaster in the midst of our prosperity. It affects the overall health of our communities and neighborhoods no matter where we live."

What do you think? Read full article here and add your comments.

Tags: homelessness

The Word is their Bond

http://jayne.gaia.com — Sun, 05 Jul 2009 15:25:13 GMT

The word is their bond: From a rare friendship, a book club for the homeless is born.

The story of the book club, now in its 10th month, is a tale of ordinary city life upended. It began with a stunningly unlikely friendship, between two men from different worlds: Peter Resnik, a high-powered lawyer on his way to work, and Rob, a homeless man guarding a friend's shopping cart on Boston Common. Through months of daily conversations, that began with jokes and sports talk and gradually delved deeper, they found a common interest: literature. And when they saw the bridge that they had built, they recognized its potential for others.

I LOVE this! Please take a moment to read this article from the Boston Globe and view the video. It is really all very simple - following what it is you love and offering this out in service to help uplift & enrich others.

Tags: homeless, service, book club

California's Day of Action to End the Death Penalty on June 30

http://jayne.gaia.com — Tue, 30 Jun 2009 18:45:53 GMT

Read below for information and a call to action for TODAY, June 30th on Death Penalty Legislation in CA. (email comments can be sent until 5 pm - PDT - on June 30). Also, please take a moment to read Sister Helen Prejean's letter (Dead Man Walking): http://www.sisterhelen.org/?p=89

Step by Step A Journey of Hope: Sister Helen Prejean

A public hearing will be held to receive comments about the proposed regulations concerning the lethal injection process in California. After the hearing, we will proceed to the Capitol to share our view with elected officials.

Tuesday, June 30th
Tentative Schedule of Events

Public Hearing on Lethal Injection: 9am to 3pm
Department of Health Services
The Auditorium
1500 Capitol Ave.
Sacramento, CA 95814

March to the Capitol: 3pm to 3:30pm

Visit with Legislators: 3:30pm to 5pm

BUS PICK-UP LOCATIONS:

1. 7am - San Francisco
Civic Center BART (Meet in front of the SF Main Library on Fulton St.)

2. 7am - Oakland
MacArthur BART (Meet on 40th St.)

Buses will leave Sacramento at approximately 5pm. Return trip will take 1.5-2 hours. Please reserve your place on the buses by emailing information@deathpenalty.org.

DIRECTIONS AND PARKING INFO:
For directions to the hearing from the SF Bay Area, take I-80 East toward Sacramento. In Sacramento, continue on I-80 Business Route East. Take the exit onto I-5 N toward Redding. Take the J Street exit, make a slight right at J Street, turn right at 15th Street/CA-160 and end at 1500 Capitol Ave.

WHAT YOU CAN DO:

1. SIGN-UP TO ATTEND HERE

2. Support the Day of Action by donating $5 towards bus rentals: Donate Now!

3. Make your voice heard by submitting a comment!

Please consider submitting a comment expressing your concern about the proposed lethal injection procedures in California. This is VERY important.

How to Submit a Written Public Comment on CDCR's Proposed Lethal Injection Procedures:

1. The California Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation (CDCR) has released proposed regulations on the lethal injection process for public comment. Any member of the public may comment on any aspect of the proposed regulations.

2. The CDCR is required by law to read and consider to every relevant comment. The summary below is provided to assist interested members of the public in understanding how the proposed regulations impact individuals and the state, and in drafting relevant public comments.

3. You are encouraged to make your letter as long as you want, and to include as much information as you want about yourself and your perspective on the death penalty. (Please feel free to visit DPF's website www.deathpenalty.org/facts for the latest facts and statistics.) Please make sure to include at least one comment that is specific to the proposed regulations (examples below).

4. Written comments may be submitted by mail, fax, or email. They must be received by June 30, 2009 at 5:00 pm PDT. If possible, please consider submitting your comment between June 20th and June 30th. If you send your comment by mail, please also consider sending a copy by email to ensure it arrives by June 30th.

5. Comments should be directed to:

Mr. Timothy Lockwood
Chief, Regulation and Policy Management Branch
California Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation
P.O. Box 942883
Sacramento, CA 94283-0001
Email : rpmb@cdcr.ca.gov
Fax : (916) 255 5601

6. Comments should note that they are regarding the proposed Amendments to Title 15, Article 7.5, Sections 3349.

7. Please include your name and address in your letter.

8. Please consider looking at our Sample Letter (MS Word) for ideas on how to set-up and structure your letter.

9. For more detail on any of these sections, please read the 10-page analysis.

10. CDCR's proposed regulations (43 pages) and supporting material are available at: http://www.cdcr.ca.gov/Regulations/Adult_Operations/Pending_Rules_Page.html#LIP

Tags: sister helen prejean, death penalty, sacred activism

60+ Teachers & Leaders offer free teleseminars in July

http://jayne.gaia.com — Sat, 27 Jun 2009 19:26:38 GMT

deepakchopra

Free Teleseminars offered by Maestro Conference in July include:

Societal Change: Barbara Marx Hubbard, Lynne McTaggart, Kevin Danaher, Luisah Teish, Gregg Braden, Andrew Harvey, Derrick Ashong, Bruce Lipton, Steve Bhaerman, Sharif Abdullah, Kevin Danaher, Corinne McLaughlin, Gordon Davidson, James O'Dea, Lawrence Ellis, Stephen Dinan

Spirituality: Marianne Williamson, Neale Donald Walsch, David Deida, Shiva Rea, Genpo Roshi, Marcia Wieder, Brian Johnson, Saniel Bonder, Linda Groves-Bonder, Fred Johnson, Arjuna Ardagh, Devaa Haley Mitchell

Health: Deepak Chopra, John Gray, Bernie Siegel, Judith Orloff, Marilyn Schlitz, Enrico Melson, Mary Shomon, Steven & Joy Gurgevich

Personal Growth: Jack Canfield, Debbie & Arielle Ford, Marci Shimoff, Dan Millman, Gay Hendricks, Hale Dwoskin, Mary Manin Morissey, Gary Renard, Dr. Pat Baccili, Terri Levine, Mike Robbins, Paul & Patty Richards

Business: Michael Port, Roxanne Emmerich, Chris Widener, Willie Jolley, Jim Bunch, Hazel Henderson, Mari Smith, Ken Foster, Dave Buck, Stacey Lawson, Tim Kelley, Mark Bowser, Brian Burt

Campaign Sponsors: Gaia Soulmates, Made for Success, Sounds True, Philosopher's Notes, Illumination University, Institute of Noetic Sciences, The Dr. Pat Show, Bella Sparks Conferences, Personal Life Media

The folks at Maestro are sponsoring this extraordinary event so you can be one of the first people to experience the beta version of their learning platform. If you find it valuable, they're betting you'll spread the word about their service. There is thus no "catch," just free learning for a full month from inspiring Maestros.

Register at MaestroConferences (teleseminars are filling up fast!)

Tags: maestro, barbara marx hubbard, andrew harvey, james odea, marianne williamson, genpo roshi, deepak chopra, debbie ford, spirituality

Sacred Activism

http://jayne.gaia.com — Thu, 11 Jun 2009 20:02:51 GMT

Sacred Activism

"A spirituality that is only private and self-absorbed, one devoid of an authentic political and social consciousness, does little to halt the suicidal juggernaut of history. On the other hand, an activism that is not purified by profound spiritual and psychological self-awareness and rooted in divine truth, wisdom, and compassion will only perpetuate the problem it is trying to solve, however righteous its intentions. When, however, the deepest and most grounded spiritual vision is married to a practical and pragmatic drive to transform all existing political, economic, and social institutions, a holy force - the power of wisdom and love in action - is born. This force I define as Sacred Activism." - Andrew Harvey

Tags: sacred activism, andrew harvey, spirituality, compassion, love in action

Ministry of Presence

http://jayne.gaia.com — Thu, 11 Jun 2009 15:18:42 GMT

Henri Nouwen

"More and more, the desire grows in me simply to walk around, greet people, enter their homes, sit on their doorsteps, play ball, throw water, and be known as someone who wants to live with them. It is a privilege to have the time to practice this simple ministry of presence. Still, it is not as simple as it seems. My own desire to be useful, to do something significant, or to be part of some impressive project is so strong that soon my time is taken up by meetings, conferences, study groups, and workshops that prevent me from walking the streets. It is difficult not to have plans, not to organize people around an urgent cause, and not to feel that you are working directly for social progress. But I wonder more and more if the first thing shouldn't be to know people by name, to eat and drink with them, to listen to their stories and tell your own, and to let them know with words, handshakes, and hugs that you do not simply like them, but truly love them." - Henri Nouwen

Tags: ministry of presence, love, henri nouwen