The Long and Winding Road

Well, it has been a remarkable week to say the least.

The news out of Haiti has been both horrific and heart warming. Stories of death and disease and disaster, intertwined with stories of survival and service and support. Then, to look at the response... both locally and globally. My students amaze me with their ideas. Those who would deny that we are heading to a united world, witness!!!

Are there problems ahead? No doubt. Will we take steps backward along the way? My God, yes. But, 100 years ago, we would not have felt this connection to people we do not know in some country we really gave no thought of before this. There is a spirit afoot, and it will win.

I regret if you feel differently, but I understand. Already, I hear people talking of burn out and that is understandable, but avoidable too.

How do we avoid the supposedly "inevitable" burn out of Haiti and horror.

Let me suggest a number of things.

First, go into this latest crisis knowing that this is really a hard walk. www.hardwalks.blogsot.com It is not a moment. It is a call to our collective and sustainable shift in spirit. It is an alarm signaling our need to understand our world citizenship. We need to understand that we live on some very small blue speck in the universe without any knowledge of life elsewhere (as yet, anyway). Haiti is a call to our heart to understand that we are connected. Let that sink in.

Secondly, I go back to a religious concept called tithing. Whatever your belief system, I challenge you to "tithe"... dedicate and focus a percentage of your resources to helping your community, locally and/or globally. Do not do it simply as a tax benefit. Know that for those who have received much, much is expected. Some of my "wealthiest" friends know the power of sacrificial giving.... giving that tests us... giving of our hands and/or our money.

Thirdly, budget. Make a portion of who you are and what you make go to service. Karma does exist, whatever you might call it. We reap what we sow. This is scripturally true in all faiths.

Fourthly, work together. It is not about us each saving the world. Join with like minded and hearted souls and stick with them in serried lines, small armies helping to create sustainable change.

Finally, I refer to one of my favourite passages by Baha'u'llah, Prophet Founder of the Baha'i Faith. "The betterment of the world can be accomplished through pure and goodly deeds, through commendable and seemly conduct". We are NOT responsible for the world. We are responsible for our corner of it. Live it. Shine. Be the example for our kids and others. It is a simple formula. Truth often is.

With all of this in mind, my brother (Randy) and Carl George and I met this morning and thought about how we could really help in this time of crisis in Haiti. We thought about issues of burnout and sustainability, and creating a lifestyle of generosity and health. We are working on the possibility of an event on February 6 called HEALTHY for HAITI... an event open to all, family wide, encouraging sustainable health... with speakers and trainers and more... and entrance/admission is a sacrificial donation to Haiti. More details to come, but we are putting together something that can positively impact our individual and collective response to life. Watch the next SLOWER & HEALTHY Living video going up this weekend, and stay tuned. It is going to rock!

In closing, let me say that my vision is unfolding. As I continue to keep my eyes on the prize and walk resolutely, saying "GO".... much is happening. Consider:

(1) Lhu Global will be born on February 20, 2010.

New website and services and alliances are forming to create Lhu Local and Lhu Global... two initiatives all about encouraging love, honour and unity as vehicles for peace and prosperity in our youth, schools, organizations, companies and communities. We are right on track. More to follow.

(2) Lhu Global Cartoonumn launched in February 2010.

I have my Green Room Pseudio (creativity center) ready for February and have ideas formulating as I write.

(3) Own and ride a blue Honda Shadow 750 by June 2010.

I visited Honda One today and sat on a beautiful 2009 Honda Shadow Aero... it felt like I was "home". The vision got much more clear. I found out about equipment and training needed. OMG, this is going to cool, and sooooooo me.

(4) Baha'i Pilgrimage to Mount Carmel in Haifa Israel in the second half of 2010.

My travel agent is checking on best prices. The dates are set at December 20-28, 2010. Wow, I am so beside myself. :-)

(5) Joyful mastery of Salsa dance by Summer 2010.

I joined the St. John's Salesros Dance Co. We (Raven and I) have about 12-15 steps down, and feeling like it is really coming together. We keep going and Tango is on the horizon. Yum. ;-)

(6) Complete my own personal "MBA" in community development by December 2010.

I have organized my "curriculum" and have started with my first book by Martha Beck.

(7) Initiate my application for CSP by March 31, 2010.

This is set to start in February.

(8) Achieve effective, conversational Mandarin Chinese by December 31, 2010.

I have re-established lessons in Mandarin, starting January 30, 2010.

(9) Make LOVE my goal... at work, service, play, and life throughout 2010.

I am praying daily and listening to how I might "love" each day. Amazing things and feelings are manifesting. More to follow.

(10) Confirm my space and role at College of the North Atlantic.

First stages of discussions and consultations have taken place... more in February.



In ultimate closing, find your sustainable generosity and live it through living. Know your vision and keep your eyes on your prize. Serve the world and serve yourself and you will serve the Creator.

God bless...

Barry