Mosquitos

 “If you think you are too small to make a difference, try sleeping with a mosquito.”

Dalai Lama

Thoughts: Nothing is nothing but little things are something!

There's a lot of strength in doing little things and not giving up; look at the bee look at the ant ... good lessons if we can relate

Part of the whole

 “It is my great hope someday, to see science and decision makers rediscover what the ancients have always known. Namely that our highest currency is respect.”

Nassim Nicholas Taleb, The Black Swan: The Impact of the Highly Improbable

Thoughts: 

Imagine if every decision was made based on respect... respect for everyone and everything. 

That each deliberation, experiment and choice was framed with the recognition that we are part of the whole, that life is a gift, that we are blessed with and not owed either our opportunities or the use of earth's resources. 

This underlying knowledge was part  of Indigenous traditions. Gratitude for food and the use of resources is a fundamental aspect of many Indigenous traditions and emphasizes respect for the natural world and the cycle of life. 

 

Imagine if this we part of decision making for large corporations and governments.

Although it is only impossible if we don't practice gratitude ourselves.. 

Cheers

Jeanne

Empathy

 Empathy is the starting point for creating a community and taking action. It's the impetus for creating change."

Max Carver

Thoughts:

Empathy is not something we either have or we don't. Empathy is something we can practice, anytime, anywhere. Maybe twice a day to start with to think of someone  or some group we disagree with or are angry with and look deeper until we find something they feel we can relate to .... No one is all bad ...  

Once we are accustomed to feeling empathy I think our feelings of helplessness and hopelessness start to dissipate, and it is from here we can build communities based on respect and create meaningful change

"Empathy is choosing to see ourselves in another despite our differences. It's recognizing that the same humanity - the same desire for meaning, fulfillment and security - exists in each of us, even if it's expressed uniquely"
Vivek Murthy

Cheers

Jeanne

Experience!

 "The only source of knowledge is experience."

Albert Einstein

Thoughts: There is no substitute learning other than practicing and doing... research (google) can show us a place to start and a direction to go in, but to know anything we need to experience it.

Many things I was told were true did not survive the challenge of experience. In life, in work, in parenting and painting most other things I've spent some time at. 

What stands the test is following my heart, believing in kindness above all, common sense and a conversation with myself of 'what's the worst that can happen' when I get nervous.

"Life isn't about finding yourself. Life is about creating yourself."
George Bernard Shaw

"Just try new things. Don't be afraid. Step out of your comfort zones and soar, all right?"
Michelle Obama

Cheers
Jeanne