My Life Right Now

10 Things We Can Do to Contribute to Internal, Interpersonal, and Organizational Peace

2011-05-16T19:09:00.000-07:00

Spend some time each day quietly reflecting on how we would like to relate to ourselves and others.
Remember that all human beings have the same needs.
Check our intention to see if we are as interested in others getting their needs met as our own.
When asking someone to do something, check first to see if we are making a request or a demand.
Instead of saying what we DON'T want someone to do, say what we DO want the person to do.
Instead of saying what we want someone to BE, say what action we'd like the person to take that we hope will help the person be that way.
Before agreeing or disagreeing with anyone's opinions, try to tune in to what the person is feeling and needing.
Instead of saying "No," say what need of ours prevents us from saying "Yes.
If we are feeling upset, think about what need of ours is not being met, and what we could do to meet it, instead of thinking about what's wrong with others or ourselves.
Instead of praising someone who did something we like, express our gratitude by telling the person what need of ours that action met.

The Center for Nonviolent Communication (CNVC) would like there to be a critical mass of people using Nonviolent Communication language so all people will get their needs met and resolve their conflicts peacefully.

2001, revised 2004 Gary Baran & CNVC. The right to freely duplicate this document is hereby granted.

Non-Violent Communication

LGBT Youth and Teen Suicide

2010-10-06T18:45:00.000-07:00

The Trevor Project is a nonprofit endeavor established to promote acceptance of lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and questioning (LGBTQ) youth, and to aid in suicide prevention among that group.

Ellen Degeneres supports The Trevor Project and is encouraging everyone to donate. You can easily donate $5 simply by texting the word KIND to 85944. Every time you text, $5 will be added to your cell phone bill. Be sure to respond YES to the confirmation text. Read more...

Anderson Cooper was a guest on her show today and he is a strong advocate against bullying and teen suicide. His brother committed suicide and wrote about it in the article below.

My Brother's Suicide

The last paragraph of his story really spoke to me. He talks about not having control, but still holding onto life. If you're going through a dark time right now, talk to your friends and family. If you're uncomfortable with that, find a local support group. Don't take your own life. Reach out and let us help you get through this.

Earth Day 2010

2010-04-22T08:39:00.000-07:00

Earth Day is more than planting a tree, picking up trash or carpooling to work. Earth Day is a day to remind us of all the things we should be doing every day in order to preserve the planet for our generation and the generations that follow us. The future of our children and our children's children is being determined this very moment by the choices we make today. The five minutes your setting apart to read this post can effect the choices you make right now and in the future. If your wondering how you can help, start by visiting SEQL (Sustainable Environment for Quality of Life) website to find 100 ways you can make a difference.

Here are some other links to websites where you can find more information on Earth Day and how you can get involved:

Wikipedia
Earth Day Network
Earth Day Network at NING
The Green Guide at National Geographic
Earth Day Tips at National Geographic
Local Earth Day Events
Earth Day at Nature.org
Earth911
2010 Earth Day Events at Care2.org

I would also highly recommend watching the movie, Baraka, which means blessing in Arabic. The movie was filmed at 152 locations in 24 countries over many years and briefly shows the history of our world, our cultures, and the effect we are having on planet earth.

Baraka (1992) Trailer

Amazon:
Baraka [Blu-ray]
Baraka: 2-Disc Special Edition

Warchild - Emmanuel Jal

2010-04-19T14:53:00.000-07:00

Emmanuel Jal is an ex-child soldier. He was born in Southern Sudan just before the Second Sudanese Civil War broke out in 1983. He doesn't know exactly when he was born, but Emmanuel approximates his date of birth to be around January 1, 1980.

The First Sudanese Civil War began in 1955 and ended with the signing of the Addis Ababa Agreement in 1972. The Second Sudanese Civil War ended with the signing of the Comprehensive Peace Agreement in 2005. The Sudanese Civil War is the longest running war in the 20th century leaving 2 million civilians killed and 4 million more civilians displaced over a time span of two decades.

Emmanuel and many other children were recruited by the Sudan People's Liberation Army (SPLA) and taken to military training camps in Ethiopia where they were trained to fight. The SPLA is a predominantly Christian rebel group that was formed in 1983 by rebellious south Sudanese soldiers of the Sudanese Army. These joined remnants of the Anyanya rebels of the First Sudanese Civil War based in Ethiopia. Emmanuel's father was a member of the SPLA. After Emmanuel's first boat to Ethiopia sank, his father never looked for him. Emmanuel became a "lost boy". Emmanuel's mother was killed by loyal government soldiers when he was seven years old.

In 1991, Emmanuel Jal was rescued by Emma McCune, a British aid worker, who adopted and smuggled him to Kenya, where he acquired a love for singing and music. Today, he is using music in the form of African hip-hop as a vehicle to deliver his message to bring to light the corruption of the Sudanese government and to reach the youth. Emmanuel is a spokesman for the Make Poverty History campaign, the Coalition to Stop the Use of Child Soldiers and the Control Arms campaign.

I was deeply moved by Emmanuel Jal's testimony and by the end of his story, you will be too. I urge you to watch this video in it's entirety.

Related Links:

Wikipedia: Emmanuel Jal
Emmanual Jal: Official Site
Emmanuel's Charity: GUA Africa

Purchase the items below at Amazon.com:

Book: War Child: A Child Soldier's Story
Movie: WAR CHILD-EMMANUEL JAL (DVD/WS 2.76/2008)
Music: WARchild

Passion Without Distraction

2010-03-20T14:30:00.000-07:00

I met Frankie in the underground Powell Street BART station in San Francisco, CA. Currently, he attends a school for the arts, The Conservatory of Music, but he hopes to play professional in a symphony some day. I was surprised to hear that he had never seen the movie Fame. I'm sure he spends all his time practicing and he's not easily distracted from what he loves most, his love and passion for music. I think he thought I was a little crazy. =)

My Definition of Strength

2010-03-20T00:59:00.000-07:00

As my eyes open, I remind myself of all the things that give me the passion to make it through another day. My body's broken, but my spirit doesn't die. I run out the door to catch my bus and then I"m on my way to work again. By Friday, I'm thankful that I made it through another week.

I find inspiration all around me by keeping my eyes wide open. While I sit contemplating about how the day will go, a fragile old woman gets on the bus. I wonder about where she's going. What is she carrying? How much does it weigh? How does she do it?

I thank God and then I'm ready to make it through another day. This is my definition of strength. Dig down deep and remind yourself that we are no different than everyone else, you'll find the strength to go on by watching the ones who do.

All We Need Is Love

2010-03-12T18:55:00.000-08:00

I was walking underground at the Powell Street BART terminal and I met Arlene. She was born in Oregon. I felt a little down that day, but Arlene raised my spirits again. This is her rendition of "All You Need Is Love", by the Beatles.

Pearls

2010-02-24T18:50:00.000-08:00

After a long night of sleep last night, I woke up this morning, got out of bed and poured myself a bowl of cereal. I sat at my computer and began to work. I've been working all day. Now, I'm exhausted and ready to lay my head down. Unfortunately, there are some of us who can never find rest. This post is dedicated to them. The ones who can never find rest.

Sade wrote a song called, "Pearls". The song is about a woman in Somalia who collects pearls by the roadside to give to her daughter. The sun beats down on her all day, but she has incredible strength and courage to keep going to find food for her little girl. Sade's live performance of the song is haunting. Her voice is filled with emotion and conviction demanding attention to those in need. When we live a life of convenience, it's easy to forget them, but it's not because we don't care. We just need to be reminded that we don't live in a world of our own.

Let's all make a difference and reach out to the weary, so they may find rest. Click on one of the links below to perform an act of kindness that will help give food to a hungry child.

UNICEF
World Vision
The Hunger Site
Feed The Children
Food for the Hungry

Purchase: Pearls (Album Version)

Live, Love, Learn, Remember, and Tell

2010-02-09T22:36:00.001-08:00

My sister, Barbara, passed away last week on the morning of Wednesday, February 3rd of 2010. I knew my sister was in bad health, but I didn't expect to hear that she died that day.

I realized that I'm the friend or family member that you never hear from. Isn't that how we all feel when we lose someone that's close to us? We wish we could have told them how much we love them or we want to say how sorry we are for not speaking to them for years because of the argument we had. My sister and I never had an argument. We just never talked. But is that an excuse? As I get older, I'm discovering how important it is to make an effort to stay in contact with friends and family, because you never know when the voice they have is silenced.

My father died in his sleep in 1981 when I was 16 years old. We spoke, but we really didn't speak. When I was a child we were close, but as I got older, my dad and I grew apart. My dad was born in 1916. That is 94 years ago. He lived through The Wall Street Crash of 1929, The Great Depression, World War 1 and 2, the assassination of John F. Kennedy and Martin Luther King any many other historical events.

My message today would be for us to make an effort to reach out to friends and family, especially the elderly. Talk to them. Get to know them. Their memories are anchors to the past that could be lost if their stories are not told. Learn their life and share their stories with your children. I didn't just lose my sister. I lost the memories she had of my father. How I wish I had the opportunity to go back and ask my sister about him.

Support Disaster Relief in Haiti

2010-01-18T14:45:00.000-08:00

Google posted information on their site compiling organizations participating in the Haiti earthquake disaster relief effort. You'll also find ways that you can make your own contributions in supporting the people of Haiti. I'm posting the link here for anyone that comes across my blog as a source of information.

Support Disaster Relief in Haiti

Rainy Days and Mondays

2009-12-13T09:59:00.001-08:00

It was a rainy Monday afternoon and I was out working on a photo assignment for my photography class taking a photo of the intersection at Castro and 18th Street. The woman you see in this picture stooped over and scurried away as I was taking my shot, because she thought I was taking a photo of her. She had been asking for change in front of the drugstore on the corner, so I asked her if she would smile and pose for me for a dollar and she did. I'm happy that I was able to help her in some way and now I'll do this more often.

Dad

2009-12-13T09:53:00.001-08:00

My dad was born in 1916. This is the only picture I have of him when he was a young man. I think he was in his 20's in the photo. My mom is Filipino and my dad is American of German decent. This photo was probably taken sometime in the 30's.

Anthony

2009-12-13T09:49:00.001-08:00

Anthony was standing in front of Whole Foods on 4th Street in San Francisco, CA. I was on my in when he stopped me. He is a well spoken man with very distinguished features, but also in need of help. I told him about $2 portraits and he agreed to let me take his photo, but only if I got his alligator shoes in the shot. He is a nice guy with a good sense of humor.

World AIDS Day 2009

2009-12-01T20:53:00.001-08:00

San Francisco lit the City Hall in red on World AIDS Day on December 1st, 2009. Let's remember all those who died of AIDS and all those who are dying of AIDS. Please join the fight to prevent this disease and to find a cure.

This is my life right now...

2009-11-04T11:43:00.000-08:00

The Impossible Dream

To dream the impossible dream,

To fight the unbeatable foe,
To bear with unbearable sorrow,
To run where the brave dare not go.

To right the unrightable wrong,
To love pure and chaste from afar,
To try when your arms are too weary,
To reach the unreachable star.

This is my quest,
To follow that star --
No matter how hopeless,
No matter how far.

To fight for the right
Without question or pause,
To be willing to march
Into hell for a heavenly cause.

And I know if I'll only be true
To this glorious quest
That my heart will be peaceful and calm
when I'm laid to my rest.

And the world will be better for this,
that one man scorned and covered with scars
still strove with his last ounce of courage.
To reach the unreachable star.

To dream the impossible dream
To fight the unbeatable foe
To bear with unbearable sorrow
To run where the brave dare not go.

To right the unrightable wrong
To be better far than you are
To try when your arms are too weary
To reach the unreachable star.

This is my quest, to follow that star,
No matter how hopeless, no matter how far
To be willing to give when there's no more to give
To be willing to die so that honor and justice may live

And I know if I'll only be true to this glorious quest
That my heart will lie peaceful and calm when I'm laid to my rest

And the world will be better for this
That one man scorned and covered with scars
Still strove with his last ounce of courage
To reach the unreachable star.

Lyrics by Joe Darion

Music by Mitch Leigh

Click here for more information about the song on Wikipedia.

Hugs

2009-10-14T13:29:00.001-07:00

Susan
Originally uploaded by MyxMaster.

I met Susan one Sunday afternoon standing in front of the Walgreens Pharmacy on Polk and California Street. She apologetically asked me for help and I turned to look at her. I saw a reflection of myself standing there. I knew that our lives weren't any different from one another, because we have the same needs, such as, food, warmth, and shelter. But, we also have the need to be loved, heard and understood, and the need to have significance. I became so focused on Susan that everyone around me and my surroundings became non-existent. It was as if we were the only ones standing there, facing one another. Compassion immediately began to flow out of my heart.

I told her about the $2 Portrait Project on Flickr and asked if she would pose for me. Susan was happy to oblige. I asked her to tell me a little bit about herself and Susan, without hesitation, immediately began to share. Susan has lived all over the United States, but she is originally from Michigan. She has also lived in Tacoma, WA, where I once lived and where my mother resides now. Her father was in the military, so they wouldn't stay in one place very long. I think the last city she said she lived in was Sacramento and then she eventually came to San Francisco, California, where she is living now.

After we talked, I gave her a big bear hug and I didn't let go of her until I knew she knew she was cared for. We both smiled and I told her to keep believing in herself and that things would get better. I went on my way and she continued to stand in her spot and ask for help, thanking everyone that gave or offered her any spare change.

My doctor of fifteen years suddenly past away last week, so I've been going over all the memories I have of him. My time with Susan brought up this memory. At the end of each office visit, he would give me a huge bear hug. It was in those moments that I knew that I was loved and cared for. He unknowingly taught me how hugs can make a big difference in a person's life. I wish I could tell him that fifteen years of hugs made me the man I am today. I would tell him thanks for loving me and showing me how important it is to show others that they are loved too. I dedicate this post to my friend, Dr. Robert C. Scott and all that he has done for me. Thanks, Dr. Scott.

Please visit:

Allen Temple Baptist Church AIDS Ministry

Unique

2009-10-04T11:19:00.001-07:00

Unique
Originally uploaded by MyxMaster.

I went to the LovEvolution Celebration in San Francisco, CA yesterday and I noticed that mostly everyone there were wearing the same themes of clothing and looks. I glanced to my left and I noticed a very distinguished looking man sitting on the curb. I thought to myself, this man doesn't look like anyone else. He's different. I asked if I could take his photo and he gave me a slight nod.

Afterwards, I told him he was the most unique person here and I noticed a tiny glimpse of a smile. He had a very quiet, reserved demeanor about him, so I didn't want to disturb him any further. I just said thanks and went on my way.

This is my favorite of out of all the photos I took that day. I wonder what his story is? I hope I run into him again.

Olivia & Shekinah

2009-09-22T18:47:00.001-07:00

Olivia & Shekinah
Originally uploaded by MyxMaster.

I met Olivia & Shekinah on Castro Street in San Francisco sitting in front of Walgreens. I stopped and told them about the $2 Portrait Project and they agreed to have their photo taken. When I asked how they both got in this situation, it looked like I struck a bad nerve, so I didn't pursue it with any further questions. "Long story?", I said caringly and Shekinah nodded. They both reminded me of my niece, Samantha, who I love very much. I hope they both find their way to happiness.

Matt

2009-09-19T23:18:00.001-07:00

Matt
Originally uploaded by MyxMaster.

I met Matt in Santa Cruz, CA. I was walking down the street and just past him on the sidewalk. I could hear him faintly asking for spare change. I turned around and I told him about the $2 Portrait Project and he was excited to participate. He talked about how he would meet people and run into them again in a different state or city. He's lived all over the United States and somehow ended up in Santa Cruz. We talked for a while and then he left to go get some juice because he was thirsty. About an hour later, I passed him again talking to his friends on the corner. I thought about what he said earlier about running into people he knew. He's a really nice guy.

Photojournalism: Museums vs. Furniture Stores

2009-08-04T14:08:00.000-07:00

This is a short story of an important lesson I learned about photojournalism from a college instructor a few years ago.

For the final project in my photography class, I submitted a series of shots of a building. I used several unique angles and various compositions. The resulting images looked excellent. When the day we were to present our projects to the class finally arrived, I was a little nervous about my presentation. I walked in and I placed the photos in the front of the room to be critiqued.

At long last, it was my turn to share, so I stood up and began telling the other students how I found the building on a walk in my neighborhood and then I described the techniques I used to process the photos. My classmates had positive things to say about the project and they all seemed to liked the images.

After class, my instructor told me she liked my presentation, but that my images would have more of an impact if I had a story to tell about them. She said having a story behind the images may make the difference between displaying your photos in a museum versus a furniture store. Her feedback changed the way I look at photography.

I began to think about the type of photographer I wanted to be. The words she spoke stuck in my head, "...displaying your photos in a museum versus a furniture store." For some photographers, the latter is sufficient for them, but I'm discovering that what's important to me is my need to contribute to life. Photography is a tool I can use to do that. I may never have any awards or recognition for being a photojournalist, but I'm happy knowing that I'm a messenger of light shining in sometimes a dark world.

The next time you pick up your camera, ask yourself, "Do I want my images displayed in a museum or a furniture store?"

$2 Portraits

2009-08-03T20:02:00.001-07:00

Dwayne
Originally uploaded by MyxMaster.

This is part of the Flickr $2 portrait pool. Essentially, when someone ask you for money, you tell them you will give them $2 in exchange for a portrait. It's a great opportunity to contribute to life and tell a person's story through photojournalism.

While I was stopped at a signal light, a man approached my car window asking for money for gas for his truck, which was parked on the corner. I pulled over and asked to see his license and then proceeded to get out of my car. He said, "Oh, I don't have my license, you don't need to get out of your car." The next thing I was going to ask him was to try and start his truck to confirm that he had the keys and it was his truck, but before I could, he admitted his bike was hidden around the corner and he just needed the money. We introduced ourselves and began to talk.

He told me his name is Dwayne and he's from San Francisco, CA. He was fired from his job six years ago as a delivery man and he's been unemployed since then. He spends most of his time in the Tenderloin District without an address he can call home. He asked for money, so I asked him if I could take his portrait for $2 and he agreed.

After I took his photo, I did my best to encourage him and lift his spirits. I asked him if he needed prayer for anything. He said, "Success." I prayed with him and then we said our goodbyes.

Little Girls & Moms

2009-07-27T09:20:00.001-07:00

Little Girls & Moms
Originally uploaded by MyxMaster.

This is my beautiful niece, Samantha, and her daughter Brianna. Please say a little prayer for them that God would preserve their relationship and bless them in the coming future.

My great niece, Brianna, lives with her father in Arizona and her mom lives in California. Brianna came to visit her mom and stayed with her Grandma for the whole month of July '09. I wanted to take a photo of them together before Brianna left for Arizona. The sun was setting, so I knew the light would be awesome in this photo. I'm happy with the results.

Light My Way

2009-07-23T09:09:00.001-07:00

Light My Way
Originally uploaded by MyxMaster.

In 1972, I lived in Grants Pass, Oregon. I was in the first grade. Some mornings, it would get so foggy, I could hardly see where to walk to school. The one thing I remember most is seeing this bright, shiny globe up above me through the heavy mist. At first I didn't realize what it was and I was scared, until I concluded that this was the sun. Without it, I wouldn't have found my way.

Peace Starts With You

2009-07-17T12:22:00.001-07:00

I just heard some bad news about my niece from a close family friend. Although the news is bad, the result was good. The outcome could have been worse than it was. I'm an ultra-sensitive person, so I experience a lot of emotion, so much at times that it can be disabling. I'm choosing right now to have peace. All I can do now is pray.

The Serenity Prayer

God grant me the serenity
to accept the things I cannot change;
courage to change the things I can;
and wisdom to know the difference.

Living one day at a time;
Enjoying one moment at a time;
Accepting hardships as the pathway to peace;
Taking, as He did, this sinful world
as it is, not as I would have it;
Trusting that He will make all things right
if I surrender to His Will;
That I may be reasonably happy in this life
and supremely happy with Him
Forever in the next.

Amen.

--Reinhold Niebuhr

Who's In There?

2009-07-15T09:15:00.001-07:00

Who's In There?
Originally uploaded by MyxMaster.

I look into my eyes, but I'm unsure of who I see. I'm lost in myself. I don't like this place I'm in and I can't find my way out. I need to meditate on the questions that keep coming up in me. I have some ideas of what the answers are and I think I'm getting closer to being set free. I haven't given up yet. I can't. I'm too near to the end of the race.