Writing Contest - 2nd Place winner
We hosted a Writing Contest at sanctuary Bistro in light of all the difficulties that are happening in the world today... it is more important than ever to take care of each other. As a Collective Energy, we can make huge impacts and learn what others things that we could be doing. This is a time for action, sharing, collaborating as we work towards righting the wrongs of the world. We can't fix this on our own.First Place: a $50.00 gift certificateThe Questions for submission were: What non-profits are you supporting and why? What are immediate action items that you think people should begin doing? What are small ways in your daily life that you make a difference? What are some ways that we can make our voice heard? What do you think most are ignorant about and that we need to be more educated on? What do you think are the best websites to learn more about what is going on? Share a small story of hope in humanity.When I left a promising career as an oceanographer to focus on raising my son, I realized I needed to do more than just prepare him to find his way in the world: I needed to be a light he could follow. I needed to do my part in trying to create the kind of world that would sustain and nurture him long after I am gone. Since then, I have immersed myself in over a dozen nonprofits, with missions ranging from ocean conservation to disaster response preparedness.-Jennifer
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Dance For Miracles
by: Sonam Lhamo
What non-profits are you supporting and why?
Tara Dhatu - as part of their student teacher program, I am able to teach Goddess Tara and other Dharma dances to the public both in Ca (Albany library, and Buddhist Center in Santa Cruz and in Virginia. These dances are based on the Tibetan Buddhist teachings and prayers. Everything I do is either free (at local Albany library) or on donation to help cover costs. I am also an ordained Minister (at UCM) and Priestess. I also support other Tibetan teachers such as Namkai Norbu Rinpoche (Dzogchen Community). I support these organizations the help spiritually support our planet. These dances are a spiritual practice so we dance our prayers.
What are small ways in your daily life that you make a difference?
Daily I do prayers and mantras. I invest in this organization and pay my dues, membership, buy music and videos, and take trainings enabling me to have a collection to share and benefit All Sentient Beings. I bring in Tibetan teachers locally to do further teachings based on Enlightened beings in female form. Mentored my others in one’s wisdom especially the children, youth, and young adults is vital. I have done programs with youth at the Association of Research and Enlightenment in Monterey, Ca and in Virginia. One of my callings is to support the young people at their request.
What are some ways that we can make our voice heard?
Networking with others. I have traveled worldwide Japan, India, and Nepal) doing these dances at Sacred places where we empower women (even danced with Tibetan nuns in Nepal), and st largest Goddess sight in Japan where we were a part of a pilgrimage of women dancing for the first time in 100 years at this Sacred site. Have trained since 2000 in Hawaii and Mt Madonna, Ca. Have also danced in Az and NM (shared dances with Native American and others) in Women’s Retreat in NM about the Goddess Tara.
What do you think most are ignorant about and that we need to be more educated on?
How anyone can sing, dance, ground spiritual teachings to give a chance to ourselves, and others. Miracles happen whenever we dance!
What do you think are the best websites to learn more about what is going on?
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Answer any or all of the questions to be in our writing series blog.