Just in case you need a reminder as I often do, here´s a quick list:
- You are loved.
- No one, is, ever was or ever will be like you. Now, don´t try to be like someone else.
- Don´t take life too seriously, nobody gets out of it alive.
- Life IS a boomerang, be careful what you throw out there.
- Smile, hug and dance like your life depends on it. It just might.
- Take the time to taste your food, be thankful for it and share it with loved ones.
- Wine is good for the heart. (they say a glass a day, Im conducting my own research, will let you know)
That should carry me on this week.
Peace,
p.
Sunday, November 28, 2010
Sunday, October 17, 2010
A Zebra for an Angel
and incurable type of cancer, carcinoid cancer, which basically means that
tumors grow everywhere in her body, and no matter how many times they take them
out, they just keep growing back. She was diagnosed 4 years ago in october, and
her positive attitude has allowed her to live long past when most patients
succumb to the disease. She is 41 years old, and has 4 kids. She has spent her
life educating children and helping to raise her younger siblings."
I always ask about Angel and I am always surprised that she keeps fighting and doing so with a positive attitude and a strong will. Not once have I asked about Angel and heard of her complaining about the hand that life dealt her, about the pains Im sure she goes through, physical and emotional ones. Pains i cannnot even imagine. I always stand amazed at such fortitude. She´s not one to dwell on self pity. You can read all she does in this article. I guess when you live life a certain way, you face adversity the same way you have lived life. So it does not surprise me that Angel, who was teacher of the year (you can read another article about that here) is teaching us a lesson and asking us, to join in.
She started a campaign to raise awareness to this type of cancer (one doctor's rarely check
for) and to show support for those suffering from it. She calls it zebra stripes, and would like pictures of people wearing black and white to create a mural at her doctor's office (she's also an avid artist), to show all of her fellow patients, they are not alone.
I for one, will be wearing black and white, taking a picture and sending it to her. To show her, she is not alone, to show the other patients they are not alone. I invite you to wear your black and white, or if not, to take a black and white picture, tweet it to me (@pabl0godoy) or post it here. Let´s make a giant zebra together, one for an Angel.
Thank you.
p.
Tuesday, September 14, 2010
Little gestures.
This is a good start*:
*thanks to Karyn Murphy for the beautiful picture.
Every single day I see miracles all around me. Every single day I wake up ready to be surprised by life and what it drops at my feet. Every single day I am more grateful than the day before.
I keep understanding what I have taken as one of my personal mantras in life: "Whatever we do to others, we do to ourselves first." The more I live, the more that it becomes clear that we are all one, that there´s no ´you´and ´me´ there´s US. I was raised to treat others with kindness and sometimes I did, sometimes not so much.
As time goes by I have learned that it is the only way to go. I know that I will never know what you are going through, where you come from or how you are doing, but, I do know that being kind to you is not a sacrifice and by doing so I am just being kind to myself.
It´s amazing to me how little gestures can make such a difference in my life as well as the lives of others. Unbeknownst to you, that smile, that pat on my shoulder, that simple ´thank you´has gotten me through the day many times. For the past couple weeks I have been thinking about this a lot. In my life it always seems that a series of events highlight a particular principle. This past two weeks I have been experiencing a lot of the consequences of little gestures, either done by me or done by others to me.
I have the most amazing family and friends, the ones that always seem to know when to call, text, email, or send a smoke signal, for no other reason than to make me smile. As I have been away from many I have learned that time and distance have no effect on relationships based on love and respect. Love is the strongest bond, the fastest conductor, the most beautiful messanger. Love is also so simple that it becomes complicated. To me, and in my experience, love is just that one call, that one text, that one hug, the beautiful silence and the crazy nights, all in one.
I also find that in my life, the language of love is like love, simple. I believe love communicates in little gestures that seemingly without a reason touches us and lifts us up.
I was listening to Argentine singer Patricia Sosa talk about her foundation. She has a foundation to help a native tribe in Argentina, the Tobas. She was telling the story of how she got involved in that work. Talk about little gestures. In 2008 that particular tribe in the Argentine Chaco was going through a hard time, two children had died of hunger, a teenage had tried to commit suicide, the situation was desperate. So the shaman of the tribe gathered them together to do a ´fire ceremony´to ask for help. So there they are, arund the fire, asking for help. In that remote area where they are, while doing the ceremony a car passed by and they heard a song by Patricia about LOVE. They took that as a sign and the next day they went to the closest town to find out who the singer was. Once they found out who she was they also found out she was singing in a month in another city not far, not close. So they got tickets for one of the tribe members (Norma) to travel to where she was going to sing. She left a red envelope in the ticket office for Patricia letting her know the situation of the tribe and how they needed her help. Twenty days went by until Patricia opens the red envelope and reads the story. In the letter they left a phone number. Patricia calls the number right away to find out it was the number of the closest town´s church. She talks to the priest who tells her that Norma was right there next to him in church. Patricia speaks with Norma who tells her that she was in church waiting for her call. To which Patricia said." but it´s been 20 days, what if I never called?" She said that then Norma laughed and said to her."neah, this is all in God´s hands." Thats how her foundation got started and keeps helping the Tobas in all she can. You can check her foundation here
That to me sums up what I am tryig to say. Little gestures, little kind efforts, those are the words of love. Let´s all speak that language, we don´t need anything other than a good disposition to change, our life and that of others.
One little gesture a day, one smile, one hug, one note...please do join me in passing this on.
P.
Every single day I see miracles all around me. Every single day I wake up ready to be surprised by life and what it drops at my feet. Every single day I am more grateful than the day before.
I keep understanding what I have taken as one of my personal mantras in life: "Whatever we do to others, we do to ourselves first." The more I live, the more that it becomes clear that we are all one, that there´s no ´you´and ´me´ there´s US. I was raised to treat others with kindness and sometimes I did, sometimes not so much.
As time goes by I have learned that it is the only way to go. I know that I will never know what you are going through, where you come from or how you are doing, but, I do know that being kind to you is not a sacrifice and by doing so I am just being kind to myself.
It´s amazing to me how little gestures can make such a difference in my life as well as the lives of others. Unbeknownst to you, that smile, that pat on my shoulder, that simple ´thank you´has gotten me through the day many times. For the past couple weeks I have been thinking about this a lot. In my life it always seems that a series of events highlight a particular principle. This past two weeks I have been experiencing a lot of the consequences of little gestures, either done by me or done by others to me.
I have the most amazing family and friends, the ones that always seem to know when to call, text, email, or send a smoke signal, for no other reason than to make me smile. As I have been away from many I have learned that time and distance have no effect on relationships based on love and respect. Love is the strongest bond, the fastest conductor, the most beautiful messanger. Love is also so simple that it becomes complicated. To me, and in my experience, love is just that one call, that one text, that one hug, the beautiful silence and the crazy nights, all in one.
I also find that in my life, the language of love is like love, simple. I believe love communicates in little gestures that seemingly without a reason touches us and lifts us up.
I was listening to Argentine singer Patricia Sosa talk about her foundation. She has a foundation to help a native tribe in Argentina, the Tobas. She was telling the story of how she got involved in that work. Talk about little gestures. In 2008 that particular tribe in the Argentine Chaco was going through a hard time, two children had died of hunger, a teenage had tried to commit suicide, the situation was desperate. So the shaman of the tribe gathered them together to do a ´fire ceremony´to ask for help. So there they are, arund the fire, asking for help. In that remote area where they are, while doing the ceremony a car passed by and they heard a song by Patricia about LOVE. They took that as a sign and the next day they went to the closest town to find out who the singer was. Once they found out who she was they also found out she was singing in a month in another city not far, not close. So they got tickets for one of the tribe members (Norma) to travel to where she was going to sing. She left a red envelope in the ticket office for Patricia letting her know the situation of the tribe and how they needed her help. Twenty days went by until Patricia opens the red envelope and reads the story. In the letter they left a phone number. Patricia calls the number right away to find out it was the number of the closest town´s church. She talks to the priest who tells her that Norma was right there next to him in church. Patricia speaks with Norma who tells her that she was in church waiting for her call. To which Patricia said." but it´s been 20 days, what if I never called?" She said that then Norma laughed and said to her."neah, this is all in God´s hands." Thats how her foundation got started and keeps helping the Tobas in all she can. You can check her foundation here
That to me sums up what I am tryig to say. Little gestures, little kind efforts, those are the words of love. Let´s all speak that language, we don´t need anything other than a good disposition to change, our life and that of others.
One little gesture a day, one smile, one hug, one note...please do join me in passing this on.
P.
Thursday, August 19, 2010
World Toast, Global Cheer.
It ocurred to me that a lot of times we get together as friends and family over a drink. Whether is wine, beer, coffee or tea, we sit, we chat, we get together.
Today, thanks to technology we are all a click away from chatting with people we might or might not know around the world, we share ideas, pictures, news. So it seems to me is a natural thing to have a World toast, to bring Global Cheer into our lives. It might be a way to get to understand each other a bit better, across cultures, borders and languages. Or it might just be an excuse to get sloshed. Either way, let´s get together.
Our global forum will be twitter (www.twitter.com) An easy way to get together will be using a hash tag, everything related with the world toast will be tweeted using the hash tag #worldtoast and it will appear on red in the tweets. By clicking there you will be taken to the global conversation.
If you are away from the net, just remember to cheer, chat and meet others on Saturday night. Many others around the word will be doing the same.
Saturday is a day most people are off but I also keep in mind that in some parts of the world it will be Sunday morning. So you don´t have to be chugging beers at 7am, the idea is just to get together over your drink of choice, whether is wine or coffee.
This World Toast will happen between Saturday eve, August 28th and Sunday morning, August 29th, depending on where you are in the world. So look at the map and see where you are and what time it is for you and join us.
Here´s a TIME ZONES map, to help us get together at the same time. http://www.worldtimezone.com/Here´s more info:
http://ow.ly/2sc3O
WORLD TOAST: A movement of Happiness and Forward thinking!
08.23.10 - UPDATE: So far people in many states in the United States, Brazil, Argentina, Uruguay, New Zealand, Australia, France, England, Sweeden, Netherlands, China, Japan, Mexico, Spain, and counting are joining us, be the next!
Today, thanks to technology we are all a click away from chatting with people we might or might not know around the world, we share ideas, pictures, news. So it seems to me is a natural thing to have a World toast, to bring Global Cheer into our lives. It might be a way to get to understand each other a bit better, across cultures, borders and languages. Or it might just be an excuse to get sloshed. Either way, let´s get together.
Our global forum will be twitter (www.twitter.com) An easy way to get together will be using a hash tag, everything related with the world toast will be tweeted using the hash tag #worldtoast and it will appear on red in the tweets. By clicking there you will be taken to the global conversation.
If you are away from the net, just remember to cheer, chat and meet others on Saturday night. Many others around the word will be doing the same.
Saturday is a day most people are off but I also keep in mind that in some parts of the world it will be Sunday morning. So you don´t have to be chugging beers at 7am, the idea is just to get together over your drink of choice, whether is wine or coffee.
This World Toast will happen between Saturday eve, August 28th and Sunday morning, August 29th, depending on where you are in the world. So look at the map and see where you are and what time it is for you and join us.
Here´s a TIME ZONES map, to help us get together at the same time. http://www.worldtimezone.com/Here´s more info:
http://ow.ly/2sc3O
WORLD TOAST: A movement of Happiness and Forward thinking!
08.23.10 - UPDATE: So far people in many states in the United States, Brazil, Argentina, Uruguay, New Zealand, Australia, France, England, Sweeden, Netherlands, China, Japan, Mexico, Spain, and counting are joining us, be the next!
Sunday, August 15, 2010
Dinner & a Movie
So this is a new thing I will be adding to my blog. Once a week, either Sunday or Monday I will recommend a movie and a recipe to go with it.
I have this passion for film and specially for those little gems that sometimes don't make it to main stream and should not be missed in my opinion.
This week I would like to recommend a Swedish film. It is intense, deals with those teenage years and all that happens when we try to belong, sometimes going to extreme measures to do so. It will make you laugh and at time it will make you cringe in pain for the main character. I think it's a great exercise on how we can loose friends and gain friends, both for wrong reasons.
This 2004 film is "The Ketchup Effect" Rent it, check it, tell me what you think of it.
Now what to have for dinner with it? I'd say something easy and light.
How about a spinach salad with Balsamic reduction and blue cheese.
So grab some spinach, wash them and out them in a bowl. Then if you don't have balsamic reduction just put some balsamic vinegar in a small pot and get it to boil. Then reduce heat and let it simmer. Keep an eye out as it will thicken fast. Once is thicker (not like honey but almost) take of the stove and let it cool.
In the bowl with the spinach add some raisins and nuts. Mix together. Serve on a plate, drizzle with the balsamic reduction and sprinkle with blue cheese crumbles. You are done!
I recommend a good Sauvignon Blanc to go with it, specially from New Zealand. Try the Dog Point.
There you have it, dinner and a movie.
I have this passion for film and specially for those little gems that sometimes don't make it to main stream and should not be missed in my opinion.
This week I would like to recommend a Swedish film. It is intense, deals with those teenage years and all that happens when we try to belong, sometimes going to extreme measures to do so. It will make you laugh and at time it will make you cringe in pain for the main character. I think it's a great exercise on how we can loose friends and gain friends, both for wrong reasons.
This 2004 film is "The Ketchup Effect" Rent it, check it, tell me what you think of it.
Now what to have for dinner with it? I'd say something easy and light.
How about a spinach salad with Balsamic reduction and blue cheese.
So grab some spinach, wash them and out them in a bowl. Then if you don't have balsamic reduction just put some balsamic vinegar in a small pot and get it to boil. Then reduce heat and let it simmer. Keep an eye out as it will thicken fast. Once is thicker (not like honey but almost) take of the stove and let it cool.
In the bowl with the spinach add some raisins and nuts. Mix together. Serve on a plate, drizzle with the balsamic reduction and sprinkle with blue cheese crumbles. You are done!
I recommend a good Sauvignon Blanc to go with it, specially from New Zealand. Try the Dog Point.
There you have it, dinner and a movie.
Saturday, July 31, 2010
Then, I cried.
I need to take a deep breath right now. Today has been one of those emotional days where events keep happening, pulling you and pushing you, adding up to the breaking point where an epiphany happens or where you just break down and cry. Both happened.
I am the kind of guy that does not wear my heart on my sleeve, it's actually in my hand, ready to be given out. I believe guys do cry, I allow myself to FEEL, to be moved, to be weak. I believe it takes a stronger guy to actually cry than to hold back. I'm not concerned about how that will be read by others. I am only concerned with being true to myself.
I was watching the news, or the bad news as rarely ever there's any positive thing worth a highlight it seems. Let me bring you up to speed. Three days ago, in Buenos Aires a woman withdrew 20k from the bank. As she was getting out of her car at home she got approached by two thieves that took her money and shot her. She was 9 months pregnant. She miraculously survived, had a c-section and her child is alive. Both of them are in ICU. Then thewy showed this footage of this poor neighborhood that has been flooded. People were already living in bad conditions. Then I see them carrying their babies and children and one or two bags of belongings with water up to their waist in the freezing winter time.
Later as I checked my email I got one from a friend telling me her friend was unhappy with himself, with who he is, because he is gay.
At this time I think I need to be distracted and decide to see what movie is showing on TV. Ha! Motorcycle Diaries. Amazing movie. Touching and eye opening. So even I have seen it before, I watch again. My heart is already cracked.
Then I ran into this article about a child in Malawi, you can read it here and the overload seem evident.
I have learned a simple truth. When life presents you with a lesson and you don't learn it, it will keep on coming back, wearing a different pair of pants. So here I am, with life's lesson in so many different assorted pants.
I get it. I do. There's injustice, there's suffering, there's ugliness we do to one another, there's ugliness we do to ourselves, there's pain and suffering in this world. Then, we are breathless and wonder: "now what?"
Right after that question I cried. I cried for the mother to be being shot and having hers and her child lives hanging on a thread. I cried for those families flooded, that might or might not have a roof over their heads as I type. I cried for the kid that can't love himself as he is because he was told by us that gay is bad. I cried for all those orphans in Malawi that might not have a chance.
But those tears are also tears of thankfulness and gratitude. I am alive, I am healthy, I have a roof over my head, love in my life and I can do what I want. You know what? I truly get it, life is telling me: "you are lucky, why don't you give others a hand?"
I can't do it all. I can't change the world on my own. Or can I?
I think we all can. If we change our immediate world, imagine the ripple effect and how far that can get? I can care for others, I can love without conditions, I can look out for those around me, I can feed someone, I can shelter many.
Let's not allow injustice to freeze us, to become a common place we are insensitive to. Let's raise our voices. Let's start each day taking notice of all we are given and finally, let's just give a little back.
It's ok if we cry.
P.
Friday, July 23, 2010
Life has my back.
Today I woke up not being myself. Well, to make it clear, I fully expect every morning to wake up not being myself, not being the one that I was the day before but an improved version of the day before. I usually wake up, shower, have my coffee and get on with the day, full of hope and things to do and discover.
Today was different, woke up, started the day as usual but feeling out of sync. Does that ever happen to you? You start your day and you just don't seem to "catch on." I am not talking about things to be done but about the distinct feeling that you are "out of it."
This soon turned into a feeling of anxiety and discomfort and me trying to find a reason for it and something to do to be "grounded" again.
I realized that even not being aware I have been stressed about my impending return to the US. Granted I am not climbing on a plane tomorrow but somehow I have been on an off wondering many things. What am I going to do when I head back? Will I be able to continue moving forward and concentrating on the things that I know are important? Will I keep on working on myself? Thing is that being in different countries, without a lot of pressure, spending time on my inner self, caring for things that are important to me seems easier than doing it back home while waiting at a Starbucks line for my dirty chai.
I realize that all the lessons I have been learning over the past year need to be very present in my life regardless of where I am. I cannot say I can be a better person when removed from my own life or on a different area code. The real challenge is to be better, each day, while being present and living life one day at the time.
Just as I was pondering this and not feeling too great about it my phone rang. One of my best friends with whom I hadn't talked to in a couple months calls me out of the blue. He is a very intuitive guy and one of the few people that has a natural gift to mellow me out, put things in perspective and inspire me.
I told him all my concerns about my return, all the thoughts I had. I went outside and sat on the grass while the sun warmed me up and my friend warmed my heart. We talked for a while. At the end of my conversation all my anxiety was gone. I was again grounded and I am looking forward to the future while firmly grounded in the present.
I am so grateful that life has a way to watch over me, to send me the right messages at the needed time if I am willing to listen.
I love my friends, the messengers of love, hope, joy and all things good that life sends my way.
I am happy. I am light, I am love, I am joy.
I wish you the same.
P.
Today was different, woke up, started the day as usual but feeling out of sync. Does that ever happen to you? You start your day and you just don't seem to "catch on." I am not talking about things to be done but about the distinct feeling that you are "out of it."
This soon turned into a feeling of anxiety and discomfort and me trying to find a reason for it and something to do to be "grounded" again.
I realized that even not being aware I have been stressed about my impending return to the US. Granted I am not climbing on a plane tomorrow but somehow I have been on an off wondering many things. What am I going to do when I head back? Will I be able to continue moving forward and concentrating on the things that I know are important? Will I keep on working on myself? Thing is that being in different countries, without a lot of pressure, spending time on my inner self, caring for things that are important to me seems easier than doing it back home while waiting at a Starbucks line for my dirty chai.
I realize that all the lessons I have been learning over the past year need to be very present in my life regardless of where I am. I cannot say I can be a better person when removed from my own life or on a different area code. The real challenge is to be better, each day, while being present and living life one day at the time.
Just as I was pondering this and not feeling too great about it my phone rang. One of my best friends with whom I hadn't talked to in a couple months calls me out of the blue. He is a very intuitive guy and one of the few people that has a natural gift to mellow me out, put things in perspective and inspire me.
I told him all my concerns about my return, all the thoughts I had. I went outside and sat on the grass while the sun warmed me up and my friend warmed my heart. We talked for a while. At the end of my conversation all my anxiety was gone. I was again grounded and I am looking forward to the future while firmly grounded in the present.
I am so grateful that life has a way to watch over me, to send me the right messages at the needed time if I am willing to listen.
I love my friends, the messengers of love, hope, joy and all things good that life sends my way.
I am happy. I am light, I am love, I am joy.
I wish you the same.
P.
Tuesday, July 20, 2010
What's missing?
It has been an interesting last couple weeks. I have an uncle who is over 70 and due to some long, complicated health issues had to have one of his legs amputated. It was a long process that came to that less than pleasant end. There was a lot that he cold have done, things that could have been changed, things that could have been different. Regardless, what was done or not done happened and he has only one leg left.
He was telling me that one of the hardest things now is that he experiences a lot of pain, waves of pain. On the leg that is no longer there. He also gets itches on that leg and clearly there's nothing that can be done about this, since the leg is no longer there. Apparently, its something that happens normally when people get a limb amputated. They go for a log time after the surgery with the sensation that the limb is still there and that it hurts, itches, etc.
This got me thinking of other situations in our lives. It actually got me thinking about relationships that we are in, relationships that could have been one way or another, that could have gone in a different direction. However, then the relationship ends and for months we are left hurting/itching over something that is no longer there.
I think there is a healthy time period of mourning for a relationship, what ever kind of relationship that is. I also think at some point we need to let go, don't give in the "phantom pain or itch" and move on. When something is no longer there, we need to let it go. Apparently, even when it is gone, we can be attached to it.
Like my uncle, looking at his missing leg,still feeling it it, sometimes we look at the empty space a relationship used to occupy and still feel it there.
It's going to take a lot of courage for my uncle to keep moving forward, to learn to live with what is no longer there, to learn to be independent again. I invite you to join me, like him, let's look at what is no longer there, let's take a deep breath and re-learn to heal, to move forward, to let go of what is obviously already gone.
Thank you,
Pablo
He was telling me that one of the hardest things now is that he experiences a lot of pain, waves of pain. On the leg that is no longer there. He also gets itches on that leg and clearly there's nothing that can be done about this, since the leg is no longer there. Apparently, its something that happens normally when people get a limb amputated. They go for a log time after the surgery with the sensation that the limb is still there and that it hurts, itches, etc.
This got me thinking of other situations in our lives. It actually got me thinking about relationships that we are in, relationships that could have been one way or another, that could have gone in a different direction. However, then the relationship ends and for months we are left hurting/itching over something that is no longer there.
I think there is a healthy time period of mourning for a relationship, what ever kind of relationship that is. I also think at some point we need to let go, don't give in the "phantom pain or itch" and move on. When something is no longer there, we need to let it go. Apparently, even when it is gone, we can be attached to it.
Like my uncle, looking at his missing leg,still feeling it it, sometimes we look at the empty space a relationship used to occupy and still feel it there.
It's going to take a lot of courage for my uncle to keep moving forward, to learn to live with what is no longer there, to learn to be independent again. I invite you to join me, like him, let's look at what is no longer there, let's take a deep breath and re-learn to heal, to move forward, to let go of what is obviously already gone.
Thank you,
Pablo
它是一個有趣的最後幾個星期。我有一個叔叔是誰在70和由於一些長期的，複雜的健康問題已經有一個他的雙腿截肢。這是一個漫長的過程，來不到愉快的結束。有很多，他做了寒冷，事情可能有所改變，事情會有所不同。無論如何，這事或沒有做的事，他只有一條腿了。
他告訴我，最難的事情之一，現在是他經歷了很多痛苦，海浪的痛苦。在腿上是不再存在。他還獲得癢該腿，並清楚沒有什麼可以做這一點，因為腿不再存在。顯然，其發生的事情通常當人們獲得一個肢體截肢。他們去了測井時間與手術後的肢體感覺仍然存在，它痛，癢等
這引起了我的思想，在我們生活中的其他情況。它實際上是讓我思考的關係，我們正處在關係，可能是這種或那種方式，這本來可以在不同的方向。然而，當時的關係結束，剩下的幾個月中，我們傷害 /瘙癢多的東西不再存在。
我認為有一個健康的一段時間內悼念關係，什麼都種關係，這種關係。我也認為在某些時候，我們需要讓去，不給在“幻肢痛或癢”，繼續前進。當事情不再存在，我們必須讓他走了。很顯然，即便是走了，我們可以連接到它。
我的叔叔一樣，看著他失踪的腿，仍然感覺它，有時我們看空的空間佔用和利用的關係還是覺得那裡。
這將需要相當的勇氣，我的叔叔繼續向前走，學習與生活不再有什麼，要學會獨立了。我邀請您加入我，像他這樣，讓我們來看看什麼是不再存在，讓我們深呼吸，重新學習癒合，以向前邁進，放手顯然已經走了。
謝謝你，
他告訴我，最難的事情之一，現在是他經歷了很多痛苦，海浪的痛苦。在腿上是不再存在。他還獲得癢該腿，並清楚沒有什麼可以做這一點，因為腿不再存在。顯然，其發生的事情通常當人們獲得一個肢體截肢。他們去了測井時間與手術後的肢體感覺仍然存在，它痛，癢等
這引起了我的思想，在我們生活中的其他情況。它實際上是讓我思考的關係，我們正處在關係，可能是這種或那種方式，這本來可以在不同的方向。然而，當時的關係結束，剩下的幾個月中，我們傷害 /瘙癢多的東西不再存在。
我認為有一個健康的一段時間內悼念關係，什麼都種關係，這種關係。我也認為在某些時候，我們需要讓去，不給在“幻肢痛或癢”，繼續前進。當事情不再存在，我們必須讓他走了。很顯然，即便是走了，我們可以連接到它。
我的叔叔一樣，看著他失踪的腿，仍然感覺它，有時我們看空的空間佔用和利用的關係還是覺得那裡。
這將需要相當的勇氣，我的叔叔繼續向前走，學習與生活不再有什麼，要學會獨立了。我邀請您加入我，像他這樣，讓我們來看看什麼是不再存在，讓我們深呼吸，重新學習癒合，以向前邁進，放手顯然已經走了。
謝謝你，
これは面白い最後の数週間されている。私は70のためにいくつかの長い、複雑な健康上の問題は彼の足を持っている必要があったことです叔父が切断。それは以下の快適な最後に来て長いプロセスだった。たくさんは、彼が冷たい、異なっている可能性がものを変更されている可能性が物事を行っているでした。にもかかわらず、何か行われていたが起こった行われていない、彼は1つだけの脚を持って参加しました。
彼は私に1つが難しいこと、今、彼は多くの痛みを、痛みの波が発生さ言っていた。もはやそこにある脚で。彼はまた、足とかゆみを取得明確にあるこのことについて行うことができます何もない、足がもはや存在しないからである。どうやら、通常、人々は手足を取得起こるのか切断。彼らは感覚が手足はまだそこにであること、そしてそれが、かゆみなどが痛いと手術後のログの時間のために行く
これは私たちの生活の他の状況の考えるようになった。これは、実際私は私達が、1つの方法または別のことができた関係は関係について考えるようになった、異なる方向に行っていることができます。しかし、その後の関係が終了し、月間私たちは傷つけ/もはやそこにある何かをかゆみ残っている。
私はそこの関係を、どのようなこれまでの関係のようなことです喪の健全な期間だと思います。私はまた私達は行くように必要ないくつかの点で、"幻肢痛やかゆみに与えていない"と思うに移動します。何かがもはや存在しないが、我々はそれを手放す必要があります。どうやら場合でも、それは消えて、私たちはそれに添付することができます。
私の叔父と同様に、彼の行方不明の足を見ると、まだそれを感じ、時には我々は空のスペースの関係と占有するまだそこにそれを感じる使用見てください。
それは私の叔父の前進し続ける勇気がかかるし、一緒に暮らすことを学ぶだろうもはや存在しないが、どのような独立を再度することを学ぶ。私はあなたが、彼のように私を招待し、の、もはやそこにあるものを見てみましょう、深い呼吸と再癒すために学ぶみよう、フォワード、明らかに既に行っていることを手放すに移動します。
ありがとう、
パブロ
彼は私に1つが難しいこと、今、彼は多くの痛みを、痛みの波が発生さ言っていた。もはやそこにある脚で。彼はまた、足とかゆみを取得明確にあるこのことについて行うことができます何もない、足がもはや存在しないからである。どうやら、通常、人々は手足を取得起こるのか切断。彼らは感覚が手足はまだそこにであること、そしてそれが、かゆみなどが痛いと手術後のログの時間のために行く
これは私たちの生活の他の状況の考えるようになった。これは、実際私は私達が、1つの方法または別のことができた関係は関係について考えるようになった、異なる方向に行っていることができます。しかし、その後の関係が終了し、月間私たちは傷つけ/もはやそこにある何かをかゆみ残っている。
私はそこの関係を、どのようなこれまでの関係のようなことです喪の健全な期間だと思います。私はまた私達は行くように必要ないくつかの点で、"幻肢痛やかゆみに与えていない"と思うに移動します。何かがもはや存在しないが、我々はそれを手放す必要があります。どうやら場合でも、それは消えて、私たちはそれに添付することができます。
私の叔父と同様に、彼の行方不明の足を見ると、まだそれを感じ、時には我々は空のスペースの関係と占有するまだそこにそれを感じる使用見てください。
それは私の叔父の前進し続ける勇気がかかるし、一緒に暮らすことを学ぶだろうもはや存在しないが、どのような独立を再度することを学ぶ。私はあなたが、彼のように私を招待し、の、もはやそこにあるものを見てみましょう、深い呼吸と再癒すために学ぶみよう、フォワード、明らかに既に行っていることを手放すに移動します。
ありがとう、
パブロ
Saturday, July 3, 2010
The Cup of LIFE
Oh, there's so much we need to talk about. Granted, I've been MIA due to the World Cup. It is not just about the sport, its about life and life lessons learned on the field. That is what totally sucks me in this tournament. To see countries that have historical, political beef face off in a field and be civil to each other, gives me hope.
Also, like in life, logic does not apply, teams move forward based on preparation, chance, luck and sheer heart.
This world cup many of the favorites were out, Italy (reigning World Champion), France, Argentina, Brasil, England. Many teams that were the underdogs made it far.
I find a common denominator in life and the world cup = HEART, BEING IN THE MOMENT & VISUALIZING DREAMS AS REALITY.
Oscar Tabarez, the coach for the Uruguay team was asked what he thought about being in the finals. He said he could not think that far, he and his team were HERE & NOW (present) and they were consumed into winning in the here and now. He said, once we are over this, then we will think of the next game. I wish we could all face life that way. It's not about being in the future, its about being in the here and now.
In Uruguay's game yesterday, seconds from the game ending, Luis Suarez stopped a goal against his team with his hand, knowingly getting a red card and a penalty for Ghana. His other option was to let the goal happen and Ghana would win. The penalty didn't score and Uruguay got a chance at penalty kicks and hence won and got a ticket to the semifinals. Sometimes in life we need to sacrifice for the bigger goal. And it has to be decided in seconds.
Uruguay was the host of the first world cup ever. And they won. In 1950 they were finalists in Brasil, which was the host country. Against all odds they won.
None of that impresses me as much as the fact that Uruguay has always done what it does with respect, low profile and no ego. It has done it getting strength from where no one ever thought there was any strength left. It has quietly gone forward.
I want to be like the Uruguay team. They were the one before last team to qualify to the world cup. They quietly made it to one fo the 4 BEST teams in the world. They were classy and respectful all along.
If they make it to the finals, I will ask for pointers on how to be GREAT and HUMBLE.
P.
Saturday, June 5, 2010
There is a field
Beyond right and wrong, there is a field. I will meet you there.~ Rumi
I think this makes communication so hard and misunderstanding so easy. Not because we are not aware that we have different points of view, but because we want ours to prevail, we want to be right, we want our view to be the one that prevails.
I have given that up a while ago. I don't want to be right, I don't want to make you wrong. I want my views to be respected as I put effort on respecting yours.
Imagine this field beyond right and wrong. Imagine this beautiful place where we can walk, maybe even hand in hand. There is a light breeze, a beautiful sun and we have left all our preconceived notions of who we are far behind. We are there to enjoy each other's company, we are not there to prove anything, to be better or worse, to be right or wrong. We simply are. In this field I don't need to understand all about you, or even agree with it, I just need to respect you and love you as you are.
Truly, let's meet in that field and lets make it be the field we walk on every day, our whole life.
Would you come with me for a walk?
P.
Friday, May 28, 2010
Wave your flag
Start listening HERE first.
Here's the thing, the World Cup is upon us and I am so exited. I cannot say i am me without saying that there's this passion, this part of me that goes crazy over World Cups. Its not like the Super Bowl, I get crazy over that too, but this is different. It happens every 4 years, it involves pretty much the whole world and it is part of my identity. I remember growing up and even though I was not a soccer fan, I remember it being a part of my life. I remember days of school because our team was playing. I remember parades, I remember the "hand of God" controversy with Maradona.
So here I am, years later, being a sports freak, loving soccer. I love it not just because of the game itself. I love that most of the world will sit still during games and we will turn our eyes and hearts to a field and 90 minutes to be crowned the new World Cup Champion.
From Gianna Nanini in Italy here to Ricky Martin in France hereand now Shakira in South Africa, here each song of the world cup has given us passion, power, love in a language we all understand, the language of rhythm. If only us, as a species could get that rhythm, could understand that the same way we can peacefully play games across the world, deciding on the field who we are, we could solve most problems.... We are those kids playing with a ball, maybe not understanding each other, maybe not fully aware of the game but being driven by the passion inside. If world matters were to be discussed and treated with the same passion, there would be no wars, there would be a game, and flags and passion. So this world cup I will be waiving my flag and its not one of a country, its a flag of peace.
Here's the thing, the World Cup is upon us and I am so exited. I cannot say i am me without saying that there's this passion, this part of me that goes crazy over World Cups. Its not like the Super Bowl, I get crazy over that too, but this is different. It happens every 4 years, it involves pretty much the whole world and it is part of my identity. I remember growing up and even though I was not a soccer fan, I remember it being a part of my life. I remember days of school because our team was playing. I remember parades, I remember the "hand of God" controversy with Maradona.
So here I am, years later, being a sports freak, loving soccer. I love it not just because of the game itself. I love that most of the world will sit still during games and we will turn our eyes and hearts to a field and 90 minutes to be crowned the new World Cup Champion.
From Gianna Nanini in Italy here to Ricky Martin in France hereand now Shakira in South Africa, here each song of the world cup has given us passion, power, love in a language we all understand, the language of rhythm. If only us, as a species could get that rhythm, could understand that the same way we can peacefully play games across the world, deciding on the field who we are, we could solve most problems.... We are those kids playing with a ball, maybe not understanding each other, maybe not fully aware of the game but being driven by the passion inside. If world matters were to be discussed and treated with the same passion, there would be no wars, there would be a game, and flags and passion. So this world cup I will be waiving my flag and its not one of a country, its a flag of peace.
Friday, May 21, 2010
Just sit with me for a while.
Would you? Sometimes I am running and sometimes you are. I know we keep on thinking we will have a minute and catch up...as soon as we have a minute. Well, that minute will never be there unless we MAKE IT. So, stop what you are doing, don't worry about it, make this minute for you and me. How are you? How was your day? What's worrying you? Let's chat.
I've been good, I am sometimes concerned about my life and the world and how my own experience can have a positive effect on the world. Crazy huh? However I am aware this is all I got, my life. I want to make the best of it, not in a financial/power way. I want to make the best of my life so when I look back and I am this old withered man I can say:"damn, that was beautiful."
I have been traveling for almost a year now. People ask me "why?" the most. They seemed perplexed when I always say:"I felt I needed to."
What do you feel you need to do? Are you doing it?
I just wanted to have a minute, check with you and say hi. I'm glad you are in my life.
Pass it on.
P.
I've been good, I am sometimes concerned about my life and the world and how my own experience can have a positive effect on the world. Crazy huh? However I am aware this is all I got, my life. I want to make the best of it, not in a financial/power way. I want to make the best of my life so when I look back and I am this old withered man I can say:"damn, that was beautiful."
I have been traveling for almost a year now. People ask me "why?" the most. They seemed perplexed when I always say:"I felt I needed to."
What do you feel you need to do? Are you doing it?
I just wanted to have a minute, check with you and say hi. I'm glad you are in my life.
Pass it on.
P.
Monday, May 10, 2010
Dear friend:
This one is for you. We've known each other for a hundred years the day we met. We didn't meet, we just ran into each other again. Ever since we've been remembering what we know about ourselves and what we will find out together. We are now walking this path together, reminding each other what matters when one of us seem to forget.
I could find famous quotes about friendship. I could go on about what friendship is or means. I won't. Friendship needs to be felt and experienced. Tonight, my friend told me: "it's better to be scared of something you understand, than to pretend you are not."
Go out there, hug your friend, Be thankful they are in your life.
And to you my loved friend: thank you.
P.
Wednesday, May 5, 2010
It's my birthday, I can change the world if I want to.
So help me!!! Today: 5 de mayo, on the 7th, my birthday, coincidence? Probably not. I would like to think my mom was really hoping she could have a shot of Patron on the 5th and it just dragged a bit too long because I was putting my best face to be greeted by the world. If you know me, the chance of that happening is rather high.
Over the years I have learned to make my own definition of what a birthday means to me, like with everything else in life. I am seriously taking the time to not agree with definitions given to me (when I had no input) and making my own.
If you could read my journals, (right after you were discussed by my behavior) you would find a pattern. Its been a long time since I refer to my birthdays or years in my life by a number: it's just too impersonal. Instead you will find: the year of the acne revenge, the year of feeling like a hurricane, the year of deep depression, the year of hope and so forth. Some years are named after the things experienced and some were named after the things I would hope for. Last year was the year of the challenge. It was a year when I dropped my life as I knew it, bought a plane ticket and went into the world to learn, experience and be challenged.
As my birthday approaches, do not ask me how old I am turning, instead, ask me "what's this year for?" The momentum I've gained and the place where I am in life have already defined this next year of my life that will start on Friday: THE YEAR OF THE ARMOR.
What the hell does that mean? Well, it means its the year I am putting on the armor of love, kindness and hope I have been building this past year of the challenge and I am going out to battle. The year of the challenge, did just that, challenged me. Challenged my commitment to love, to the things I believe in, the things I personally want to do to make a difference. While being challenged, day by day, I slowly built an armor, an armor of conviction, love, hope and all positive. Starting Friday, on the anniversary of my birth, I will wear that armor and enjoy "the year of the armor" going out there, being a voice to those that have none, loving those that feel no love, hoping upon hope that the changes I want to see in the world are manifested on my behavior first.
This is not an armor to protect me from outside forces, I carry that with me all the time. This armor is to remind me, inspire me, strengthen me and guide me on this path. This armor is all of you, with your thoughts, your love, your positive influence. I always say: people do not think of us because we exist, on the other hand we exist because people think of us. There you have it, you thinking of me, you ARE my armor.
Over the past years I have had some raging parties for my birthday, I have been next to all my friends, I have blacked out, I have been carried home. Even then, you were my armor. This time, I am far away and still feel you being my armor.
I'm, going to ask you for a couple things for my birthday. You can send me an under 2 minutes video (recorded on your webcam, phone cam, etc) or a few pictures. Tell me: 1- your name, 2- your location, 3- what freedom means to you 4- what do you know about human trafficking? DO NOT research either of the subjects, just sent me your candid answers. This pieces will be edited into a larger piece to raise awareness about human trafficking (DO NOT RESEARCH TILL AFTER YOUR VID!!!)
If you can't do that, here's something else I would love for you to do. In the past you might have taken me out for dinner, bought me a drink, a present, ect for my birthday. Here's what I ask you to do on Friday, buy lunch to a homeless person, buy a drink for a stranger at the bar, give, give, give!!! And as you do say "Happy Birthday Pablo!"
It's my birthday, and with your help, I can change the world if I want to.
P.
Over the years I have learned to make my own definition of what a birthday means to me, like with everything else in life. I am seriously taking the time to not agree with definitions given to me (when I had no input) and making my own.
If you could read my journals, (right after you were discussed by my behavior) you would find a pattern. Its been a long time since I refer to my birthdays or years in my life by a number: it's just too impersonal. Instead you will find: the year of the acne revenge, the year of feeling like a hurricane, the year of deep depression, the year of hope and so forth. Some years are named after the things experienced and some were named after the things I would hope for. Last year was the year of the challenge. It was a year when I dropped my life as I knew it, bought a plane ticket and went into the world to learn, experience and be challenged.
As my birthday approaches, do not ask me how old I am turning, instead, ask me "what's this year for?" The momentum I've gained and the place where I am in life have already defined this next year of my life that will start on Friday: THE YEAR OF THE ARMOR.
What the hell does that mean? Well, it means its the year I am putting on the armor of love, kindness and hope I have been building this past year of the challenge and I am going out to battle. The year of the challenge, did just that, challenged me. Challenged my commitment to love, to the things I believe in, the things I personally want to do to make a difference. While being challenged, day by day, I slowly built an armor, an armor of conviction, love, hope and all positive. Starting Friday, on the anniversary of my birth, I will wear that armor and enjoy "the year of the armor" going out there, being a voice to those that have none, loving those that feel no love, hoping upon hope that the changes I want to see in the world are manifested on my behavior first.
This is not an armor to protect me from outside forces, I carry that with me all the time. This armor is to remind me, inspire me, strengthen me and guide me on this path. This armor is all of you, with your thoughts, your love, your positive influence. I always say: people do not think of us because we exist, on the other hand we exist because people think of us. There you have it, you thinking of me, you ARE my armor.
Over the past years I have had some raging parties for my birthday, I have been next to all my friends, I have blacked out, I have been carried home. Even then, you were my armor. This time, I am far away and still feel you being my armor.
I'm, going to ask you for a couple things for my birthday. You can send me an under 2 minutes video (recorded on your webcam, phone cam, etc) or a few pictures. Tell me: 1- your name, 2- your location, 3- what freedom means to you 4- what do you know about human trafficking? DO NOT research either of the subjects, just sent me your candid answers. This pieces will be edited into a larger piece to raise awareness about human trafficking (DO NOT RESEARCH TILL AFTER YOUR VID!!!)
If you can't do that, here's something else I would love for you to do. In the past you might have taken me out for dinner, bought me a drink, a present, ect for my birthday. Here's what I ask you to do on Friday, buy lunch to a homeless person, buy a drink for a stranger at the bar, give, give, give!!! And as you do say "Happy Birthday Pablo!"
It's my birthday, and with your help, I can change the world if I want to.
P.
Friday, April 30, 2010
New applications for the SOUL! and they are FREE!!
I have taken so far almost a 5 day break from the on-line communities I frequent to re-boot my life, install new applications on my soul and know what I want to be and how I want to be. So I have been thinking, walking, and really reflecting on what is that is no longer working on and that needs an update.
I distinctly realize two things need to be improved right now: my intention and my generosity, two things that are so closely related. A lot of times we can all be generous, giving people. I know I can be. To give of my time and/or material things is something I was taught at a young age, something that it has become part of who I am. Now, every action of ours is happening, every thought, is happening because we intend to. Our intention, hence drives our actions. Even the automatic ones, i.e. I intend to write right now and my brain sends the signal for my fingers to type.
The previous example is clear and understandable. What I think it's not so clear is what I discover over the past 5 days, it wasn't even clear to me. We are also capable of "masking" our intention with an action. In this case, the action is not a result of our intention, but a means to achieve what we really intend. I know, I know, it sounds confusing. Example, I intend to go out with you, however my action shows me un-interested, aloof just so my intention is not revealed until I think you are ready to say yes.
This got me thinking that I can give, be generous all I want but unless my intention is to give and be generous it really doesn't do much for me or the person at the receiving end. If I am giving but my intention is solely "to look like a generous man", to "gain something" from you, even if it's just your sympathy, then I am not truly giving. I am using generosity to achieve something else, I am in reality, trading.
So I have decided I am now working on this two principles in my life: intention and generosity. My interactions with everyone are to be honest, my intent to be reflected in my actions. From now on, I give, for the sake of giving, because I feel is the right thing to do, because in and on itself is the journey and the destination. I will no longer be generous to achieve other things, I will no longer "trade", I am generous.
I invite you (because it IS my intention to be surrounded by people that understand, love and care about me the same way I care about them) to take a minute to see what your intention really is behind your actions. Let's align our intentions with our actions. Let's be the kind of people that truly intend to do what we do and that truly mean no when we decide to not do something. Let's be generous, let's give without expecting anything in return. Let's be reminded that giving when expecting something is really just trading.
Two new applications for the soul: Intent & Generosity. Both free for you to install. Go ahead. You might have to reboot after installing.
p.
I distinctly realize two things need to be improved right now: my intention and my generosity, two things that are so closely related. A lot of times we can all be generous, giving people. I know I can be. To give of my time and/or material things is something I was taught at a young age, something that it has become part of who I am. Now, every action of ours is happening, every thought, is happening because we intend to. Our intention, hence drives our actions. Even the automatic ones, i.e. I intend to write right now and my brain sends the signal for my fingers to type.
The previous example is clear and understandable. What I think it's not so clear is what I discover over the past 5 days, it wasn't even clear to me. We are also capable of "masking" our intention with an action. In this case, the action is not a result of our intention, but a means to achieve what we really intend. I know, I know, it sounds confusing. Example, I intend to go out with you, however my action shows me un-interested, aloof just so my intention is not revealed until I think you are ready to say yes.
This got me thinking that I can give, be generous all I want but unless my intention is to give and be generous it really doesn't do much for me or the person at the receiving end. If I am giving but my intention is solely "to look like a generous man", to "gain something" from you, even if it's just your sympathy, then I am not truly giving. I am using generosity to achieve something else, I am in reality, trading.
So I have decided I am now working on this two principles in my life: intention and generosity. My interactions with everyone are to be honest, my intent to be reflected in my actions. From now on, I give, for the sake of giving, because I feel is the right thing to do, because in and on itself is the journey and the destination. I will no longer be generous to achieve other things, I will no longer "trade", I am generous.
I invite you (because it IS my intention to be surrounded by people that understand, love and care about me the same way I care about them) to take a minute to see what your intention really is behind your actions. Let's align our intentions with our actions. Let's be the kind of people that truly intend to do what we do and that truly mean no when we decide to not do something. Let's be generous, let's give without expecting anything in return. Let's be reminded that giving when expecting something is really just trading.
Two new applications for the soul: Intent & Generosity. Both free for you to install. Go ahead. You might have to reboot after installing.
Wednesday, April 28, 2010
A piece of Humble pie with a side of my own words.
Here I am. Sitting in a comfy sofa, NCIS on the backgroud and a whole lot of things on my mind. This is gonna take a while before I post it, so I doubt anyone will read it until I do so, which suits me fine. My ideas are half the way there and need to be fully formed.
My last post was about a change of paradigm, looking, thinking outside the box. Well, apparently I was thinking of all that while still inside my comfortable box.
However, since I wrote that blog, it principle seeped through me and in a way stopped me long enough to contemplate where I am. I have been doing the same things, for a while, always thinking I was doing them differently. The mind is a powerful force, whatever we envision, create, believe with it, it becomes our reality.
So here I was envision, thinking, believing I was doing things in a creative, different way each time. But am I really? That's a tough question to answer.
To separate the reality I created in my mind fr myself to the reality I am living is...well, I don't even know what's that like. What I do know is that I feel a certain uneasiness. I do know that I might not be in the place I could be.
What is that place? I am not sure. I seem to go through this episodes cyclically. I move in a certain direction, I feel great about it and then I reach a plateau and feel I need to stop, disconnect, reboot and start again.
So, it has become a feeling I can recognize. And I am thankful for it.
When feeling like this, I usually think about all the main feelings and ideas in my life in the past little while, really look at them and see how is my life and ACTIONS aligned or not to the things that I intellectually know should be happening. Then I sit down and eat a piece of humble pie and my own tasty words.
In this day that we are all so connected, so flooded with information but so starved for knowledge I realize that the main source of knowledge is not on line, not in a book, not in a tweet, a FB message or a tumblr post. It is inside of me. It is in the quiet message whispered to me, in the birds I can watch, in the tree firmly rooted on the ground. So I disconnect, from all the social networks, the websites I frequent, the things I usually do. I take long walks with myself, I clear my brain and my heart.
You might think its hypocritical of me to be talking about being disconnected when I am blogging about it. However, this is like my journal and one I intend to share with all of you. Like I said at the beginning, I will not be announcing this post until I am ready to "re-connect" to the alternate reality. As of now, I am rebooting, recycling, and "installing" new programs for my soul.
Think about it for a second, take a few days of the everyday connections you have on line. Connect with yourself, keep yourself company, reboot.
P,
Monday, April 19, 2010
Change of Paradigm
A few years back, while I was in college I earned a living being an interpreter/translator. I loved the job, I got to translate books/documents and my favorite thing: I got to go "on site" to do live interpretations of all kind of things. Worked with some US agencies, doctors, companies, individuals and everything in between. Interpretation is a demanding thing, you don't get time to "switch" languages in your head and then say what you need to say in the required language. You actually have to say what the speaker is saying, in another language at the same time and speed you are hearing it.
One of my favorite assignments was going to a factory where I interpreted whole series of safety and self improvement courses to the non English speaking staff. These were hard working men and women from all over South America, Central America and Mexico. One of the reasons I loved going there was because they were so thankful, kind, and friendly. This courses were 6-8 hours affairs with a couple breaks. Inevitably for each lunch break this lovely ladies would come over with their home made lunch that they would take turns making for me.
On one of the safety courses (and I would interpret those about 5 times back to back so we could reach each group of employees) one of the points the instructor wanted to high light was "the change of paradigm." I knew how important that was and I squeezed my brain thinking of the Spanish equivalent for that expression. However when she said:"we need a new paradigm, not a new pair of dimes" I knew I had lost the battle. There was no way I can make sense of that in Spanish when "dimes" is not a Spanish word and it would just not work.
I did my best to try to convey the joke and the expression, only getting confused looks of people certainly thinking that American humour was humourless and that I sucked as an interpreter. That single episode stayed with me for a long time and it's still with me.
I thought I had forgotten about it, until a while later I was talking to someone about "shifting our paradigm" and even though this person had a perfect command of the English language, the look in her face was the same of all those hard workers. Many times since, when discussing different topics and supporting a change I've gotten the "not a pair of dimes" look from people.
I think it is high time for us to not be afraid of change, to look, really look outside the box and face issues from a different angle. Truth is, we cannot solve problems with the same mentality that created them, we cannot do the same thing over and over expecting different results.
When looking at my life and the world around me and being faced with challenges, things that I feel need to change, I need to stop and "filter" all the "known" ways to go about it and really, really think about a "new"way to go about it.
I'm not going to tell you what to do, because I hardly know what I am doing. What I am going to ask of you is that next time you are faced with a conundrum, don't take the easy way out, don't do right away what you've been told, instead think of a new way to solve an old problem. It will open your mind to new creative ways of thinking and you might surprised yourself with what you come up with. If it helps, do what I do, carry a pair of dimes and when needed, rubbed them together till the light in your head is on.
I believe in you and I am putting my two dimes on that belief.
p.
One of my favorite assignments was going to a factory where I interpreted whole series of safety and self improvement courses to the non English speaking staff. These were hard working men and women from all over South America, Central America and Mexico. One of the reasons I loved going there was because they were so thankful, kind, and friendly. This courses were 6-8 hours affairs with a couple breaks. Inevitably for each lunch break this lovely ladies would come over with their home made lunch that they would take turns making for me.
On one of the safety courses (and I would interpret those about 5 times back to back so we could reach each group of employees) one of the points the instructor wanted to high light was "the change of paradigm." I knew how important that was and I squeezed my brain thinking of the Spanish equivalent for that expression. However when she said:"we need a new paradigm, not a new pair of dimes" I knew I had lost the battle. There was no way I can make sense of that in Spanish when "dimes" is not a Spanish word and it would just not work.
I did my best to try to convey the joke and the expression, only getting confused looks of people certainly thinking that American humour was humourless and that I sucked as an interpreter. That single episode stayed with me for a long time and it's still with me.I thought I had forgotten about it, until a while later I was talking to someone about "shifting our paradigm" and even though this person had a perfect command of the English language, the look in her face was the same of all those hard workers. Many times since, when discussing different topics and supporting a change I've gotten the "not a pair of dimes" look from people.
I think it is high time for us to not be afraid of change, to look, really look outside the box and face issues from a different angle. Truth is, we cannot solve problems with the same mentality that created them, we cannot do the same thing over and over expecting different results.
When looking at my life and the world around me and being faced with challenges, things that I feel need to change, I need to stop and "filter" all the "known" ways to go about it and really, really think about a "new"way to go about it.
I'm not going to tell you what to do, because I hardly know what I am doing. What I am going to ask of you is that next time you are faced with a conundrum, don't take the easy way out, don't do right away what you've been told, instead think of a new way to solve an old problem. It will open your mind to new creative ways of thinking and you might surprised yourself with what you come up with. If it helps, do what I do, carry a pair of dimes and when needed, rubbed them together till the light in your head is on.
I believe in you and I am putting my two dimes on that belief.
p.
Wednesday, April 14, 2010
Lucky
Do you hear me? I am talking to you
Across the water across the deep blue ocean
Under the open sky, oh my, baby, I'm trying
Lucky we are in love in every way
Lucky to have stayed where we have stayed
Lucky to be coming home some day
And so I am sailing through the sea
To an island where we'll meet
You'll hear the music fill the air
I'll put a flower in your hair.
Jason Mraz
I am lucky. I am not sure that's the best word and I am sure people will argue with me whether it's luck, a blessing, etc. I am not interested in discussing semantics. However you want to call it, I am thankful for it.
I just spent almost a week with a couple wonderful friends in Buenos Aires. I have been to Buenos countless times over my stay here in South America, however each time, its a different city, because each time I look at it with different eyes. My first time (almost 9 months ago!!) I wasn't sure how anything worked. Even thought I had been on the city on an off growing up it had been ages since I was there and this time I was alone and grown up enough to call the shots. So, I go there and had a great time. I wasn't sure what I was doing or where I was going most of the times but felt welcome and happy yet not part of it. Since then I have been there many times with different friends, alone and each time Buenos has been a kind, lovely host.
I was discussing with my friends this time around how for most of the part (minus a cab incident they had from the airport) each single interaction was so positive, people so welcoming, beautiful, inviting. From art to shows, to just the allure of the beautiful architecture, it all seduces me each time.
I realized this time that when facing life and new situations without any fear, well, then there is no fear. I think most of the times we create fear, we might have valid reasons for that or not but the bottom line is that we do not need to "feed" fear.
When "facing" that gorgeous city and going to every corner we wanted to, with common sense but without fear we were treated to an amazingly safe experience. I am pretty sure that when people saw foreigners being trusting (not stupid) and enjoying their city and culture, well, tell in turn were trusting, kind and helpful.
This got me thinking that our interactions are really well reflected on how people interact back to us. People are our mirrors, so to speak. If you find people distrusting you, being rude, being great, and so forth, chances are they are being a mirror of yourself.
I invite you to walk along with me in life without fear, looking to see in everyone we interact with the best of ourselves. It will make a big difference, in your life and of course in your travels ;-)
Pablo
Across the water across the deep blue ocean
Under the open sky, oh my, baby, I'm trying
Lucky we are in love in every way
Lucky to have stayed where we have stayed
Lucky to be coming home some day
And so I am sailing through the sea
To an island where we'll meet
You'll hear the music fill the air
I'll put a flower in your hair.
Jason Mraz
I am lucky. I am not sure that's the best word and I am sure people will argue with me whether it's luck, a blessing, etc. I am not interested in discussing semantics. However you want to call it, I am thankful for it.
I just spent almost a week with a couple wonderful friends in Buenos Aires. I have been to Buenos countless times over my stay here in South America, however each time, its a different city, because each time I look at it with different eyes. My first time (almost 9 months ago!!) I wasn't sure how anything worked. Even thought I had been on the city on an off growing up it had been ages since I was there and this time I was alone and grown up enough to call the shots. So, I go there and had a great time. I wasn't sure what I was doing or where I was going most of the times but felt welcome and happy yet not part of it. Since then I have been there many times with different friends, alone and each time Buenos has been a kind, lovely host.
I was discussing with my friends this time around how for most of the part (minus a cab incident they had from the airport) each single interaction was so positive, people so welcoming, beautiful, inviting. From art to shows, to just the allure of the beautiful architecture, it all seduces me each time.
I realized this time that when facing life and new situations without any fear, well, then there is no fear. I think most of the times we create fear, we might have valid reasons for that or not but the bottom line is that we do not need to "feed" fear.
When "facing" that gorgeous city and going to every corner we wanted to, with common sense but without fear we were treated to an amazingly safe experience. I am pretty sure that when people saw foreigners being trusting (not stupid) and enjoying their city and culture, well, tell in turn were trusting, kind and helpful.
This got me thinking that our interactions are really well reflected on how people interact back to us. People are our mirrors, so to speak. If you find people distrusting you, being rude, being great, and so forth, chances are they are being a mirror of yourself.
I invite you to walk along with me in life without fear, looking to see in everyone we interact with the best of ourselves. It will make a big difference, in your life and of course in your travels ;-)
Pablo
Thursday, April 8, 2010
And the bus broke down.
So last night, at midnight I took a bus to come to Buenos Aires. It's one of those comfi, turn seats into beds kinda bus and just a 6 hours ride. I settled in, started reading my book and put the Ipod on. Everything was smooth sailing. Two hours into it, as we are crossing the bridge between Uruguay and Argentina, right in the middle of the bridge, something felt wrong, the bus started shaking and the lights were on an off. Boy was I glad I was in bus and not a plane......until the bus just died, inches away from the railing of the bridge. In the middle of the night, looking down a window, and seeing 40 feet of water below is not a very comforting feeling. People were moving around. I turn the music louder, fastened my seat belt and tried to get into the book. After a few more shaking episodes the bus started again and we continued on. Until we got to a toll booth and then the bus died again. By now we were about 2 hours away from Buenos. The driver got it started and by 5:50ish we were taking the exit of the freeway because we were probably going at 5 miles an hour. As we take the exit the bus proceeds to completely stop, in the middle of a busy intersection. There were for ..oh about 30 minutes getting all kinds of honking, and wonderful things being said at the driver, the passengers...you get the idea. Finally the bus was moved to a side road where we came down, and waited for a replacement bus to arrive. As we waited, I stroke up a conversation with a fellow passenger and man, was I glad I did. I thought she was returning to Buenos Aires which is in fact true, except she is not from there. She told me she recently moved after marrying a few months ago. Her husband is from the town where she grew up in Uruguay, they were high school sweet hearts, then when she was 17 and he was 18 they split, he moved to Buenos Aires, she married, so did he. After being married for 31 years her husband died, her former boyfriend got a divorce, one day he returns to the home town , visits her...fast forward, they married a few months back.
After we finally arrived to the bus station, he was waiting for her, I got to meet him and I am invited to have lunch with them this Sunday so they can show me a part of Buenos Aires I don't know, a few flea markets and some good restaurants were I won't be ripped off.
Sometimes a bus breaking down is life telling you:" look around, chat, I have a surprise for you."
Let's make sure we turn
After we finally arrived to the bus station, he was waiting for her, I got to meet him and I am invited to have lunch with them this Sunday so they can show me a part of Buenos Aires I don't know, a few flea markets and some good restaurants were I won't be ripped off.
Sometimes a bus breaking down is life telling you:" look around, chat, I have a surprise for you."
Let's make sure we turn
Thursday, March 25, 2010
It's been a while...
Since I wrote here and poured my heart out. I have been thinking, meditating and honestly felt there was nothing I could say. When I have ideas, thoughts, feelings that are not fully formed I choose not to say anything because it's not done! It would be to me like getting a cake out of the oven for you to try when it's not fully cooked, nobody would like that.
The feeling gave way to a thought and the thought gave way to a clear statement of being in my mind and heart. This is it : IT IS NOT ABOUT ME.
This blog is not about me, the work I take upon myself for others it's not about me, when I love it's not about me, when I give, it's not about me.
It is my new mantra. I want to selflessly give, love, help, care, be kind and make sure I make none of this actions/intentions about me.
I want to express my thankfulness for people that have showed me this way of selflessness, bravery and showing the way. Thank you mom, dad and my siblings. Thank you, amazing, patient, caring friends. Thank you Jason Mraz, your example, for taking risks and standing tall against things that might not be "popular" for your career, it has shown me what its like to not make it about "me." Thank you, I manifest my intention to do what I do with a pure heart and NOT about me.
Wanna join?
P.
The feeling gave way to a thought and the thought gave way to a clear statement of being in my mind and heart. This is it : IT IS NOT ABOUT ME.
This blog is not about me, the work I take upon myself for others it's not about me, when I love it's not about me, when I give, it's not about me.
It is my new mantra. I want to selflessly give, love, help, care, be kind and make sure I make none of this actions/intentions about me.
I want to express my thankfulness for people that have showed me this way of selflessness, bravery and showing the way. Thank you mom, dad and my siblings. Thank you, amazing, patient, caring friends. Thank you Jason Mraz, your example, for taking risks and standing tall against things that might not be "popular" for your career, it has shown me what its like to not make it about "me." Thank you, I manifest my intention to do what I do with a pure heart and NOT about me.
Wanna join?
P.
Sunday, March 14, 2010
Around the world.
Around the world I have not been. I have been in about a dozen countries and more cities/towns that I care to sit down and count now. Now because I didn't care about those places, but because this is not a bragging session to see who has traveled more or less. It's a whole different beast.
While traveling I have come to realize that even though our cultures, traditions, might be quite different, that difference is shrinking faster than I am comfortable with.
I am not going to discuss or even attempt to explain why across the world we are becoming more and more alike, not (thankfully) in our core but at a glimpse. I remember not long ago after having been traveling between 4 countries and having spent 26 hours in planes or airports that I got to my hotel, got out of the cab and had NO IDEA what country I was in. I was that tired and even though sounds ridiculous, believe me, it does happen. So there I was, on a sidewalk, looking around, drawing a blank. I looked at the hotel (Day's Inn), no help there, I knew I wasn't in the States. Then I looked across the street: Pizza Hut, Blockbuster Video and a strip mall. Then the cab driver asked me if I was ok, in Spanish, then I realized I was now in Uruguay. I have been thinking about that since.
Ten years ago, I didn't feel we were becoming so homogeneous as we are now. Two months ago I was in Buenos Aires with a good friend from the States. We ended up in a mall, we were heading to Starbucks because I wanted a dirty soy chai, we stopped at a kiosk for cigarettes my friend wanted. She asked me how much they were in English, to which the store attendant replied: "5 bucks."
See what I am getting at? We can go to most places in the world and choose the reality we want to live in. I realized i can travel the world feeling I have never left the United States. However, is that traveling?
I don't travel to look at sights from behind a sterilized glass window, I travel to learn, to mingle, to be as close to the real people as possible. It worries me that in my latest travel, the real people are more and more trying to be like other people, forgetting their ancestry, the pride they should have for their country, culture and heritage to become a not so attractive (to me) version of themselves.
While personally being from a Latin background, I have always made it a point to yes, adjust and be part of my community in the States, but I have also put a lot of effort on not loosing my identity in the process, sometimes to my detriment.
I still hug rather than shake hands, I still give you my love and trust first and learn later. I still speak my parents languages any chance I have. I still remember where I come from and where I want to be.
I believe that if you are not firmly rooted on your cultural and personal identity, any wind can blow you away, and there are lots of winds of change coming.
Let's know who we are, where we come from and be proud of it.
P.
While traveling I have come to realize that even though our cultures, traditions, might be quite different, that difference is shrinking faster than I am comfortable with.
I am not going to discuss or even attempt to explain why across the world we are becoming more and more alike, not (thankfully) in our core but at a glimpse. I remember not long ago after having been traveling between 4 countries and having spent 26 hours in planes or airports that I got to my hotel, got out of the cab and had NO IDEA what country I was in. I was that tired and even though sounds ridiculous, believe me, it does happen. So there I was, on a sidewalk, looking around, drawing a blank. I looked at the hotel (Day's Inn), no help there, I knew I wasn't in the States. Then I looked across the street: Pizza Hut, Blockbuster Video and a strip mall. Then the cab driver asked me if I was ok, in Spanish, then I realized I was now in Uruguay. I have been thinking about that since.
Ten years ago, I didn't feel we were becoming so homogeneous as we are now. Two months ago I was in Buenos Aires with a good friend from the States. We ended up in a mall, we were heading to Starbucks because I wanted a dirty soy chai, we stopped at a kiosk for cigarettes my friend wanted. She asked me how much they were in English, to which the store attendant replied: "5 bucks."
See what I am getting at? We can go to most places in the world and choose the reality we want to live in. I realized i can travel the world feeling I have never left the United States. However, is that traveling?
I don't travel to look at sights from behind a sterilized glass window, I travel to learn, to mingle, to be as close to the real people as possible. It worries me that in my latest travel, the real people are more and more trying to be like other people, forgetting their ancestry, the pride they should have for their country, culture and heritage to become a not so attractive (to me) version of themselves.
While personally being from a Latin background, I have always made it a point to yes, adjust and be part of my community in the States, but I have also put a lot of effort on not loosing my identity in the process, sometimes to my detriment.
I still hug rather than shake hands, I still give you my love and trust first and learn later. I still speak my parents languages any chance I have. I still remember where I come from and where I want to be.
I believe that if you are not firmly rooted on your cultural and personal identity, any wind can blow you away, and there are lots of winds of change coming.
Let's know who we are, where we come from and be proud of it.
P.
Tuesday, February 16, 2010
SPACESHIP EARTH
The only real nation is humanity. Paul Farmer
We are all in this together people. "This" happens to be our Spaceship Earth. No, no, I am not going to write about how to save the planet, have done it and will do it, but this is something different.
I happen to realize that our spaceship got a whole lot smaller over the past few years. Things that happen across the world get to us in a few seconds. THAT is a big change.
Last time I took a long trip (11 months) was about 8 years ago. Now I am on the 7th month of a trip and I am just at awe when seeing the big differences in just 8 years.
Today I am rarely not in touch with my friends through text messages, twitter, Facebook and such. And not just in touch, I can see what they are up to, look at their pictures and when in deep need of "having a drink" with friends we skype and have drinks together.
My point is, when we have so many tools to be connected, lets use them to make meaningful connections, to put out there positive, inspiring messages. Imagine the impact of all this communication when used for positive things. Imagine the Spaceship Earth interconnected with all of us trying to improve it, not just the "spaceship" but the lives of all on board. Now KNOW, that dream can come true. In every interaction., literal or virtual, lets put our best intention out there.
We WILL change the world. Join me.
Pablo
Wednesday, February 10, 2010
ON DEATH
Because I have loved life, I shall have no sorrow to die.~ Amelia Burr
Today I found out someone I know an have been friends with committed suicide. I am not going to lie and go for the "pity party" thing. We were friends many years ago and I had not seen him in probably 10 years. Yet, when I heard the news I went into Pablo-crazy-mode. So I had to walk away from everything and let my feelings be felt and understood, or try to understand why it hit me like a ton of bricks.
I went for a walk at sunset, I saw an amazing sky, clouds, horizon. All me was a bunch of tears. I kept trying to understand why this news hit me so hard. Yes, he was someone I know, yes, we had great times, but I had not seen him in years and yet, here I was, walking on a country road crying like a baby.
I took a deep breath. I allowed myself to feel whatever was coming over me, to be present to this feelings and I befriend them. As friends, we talked and I tried to understand.
I realized a few things. Having been in a place where I did want to commit suicide myself a few years back I realized that one of my burdens were knowing that regardless the fact that my friend committed suicide, I did not and do not feel like I cannot respect his choice, even though I don't agree with it. When I was at my wits ends, that was my reality, suicide was a tangible, reasonable option, regardless of how others saw my situation.
So there, I can't even be mad at my friend, but on top I respect his choice.
Then I also realized I have a bitter chip on my shoulder. When I was 21 my cousin died on a car accident. We grew up together, we were like brothers. Since his death, 11 of my friends have died, either committing suicide or in accidents. So yes, I am bitter. I have friends who don't even know what is like to loose someone they love. I realized I have all this frustration for the things I have had to experience, my uncle committing suicide when I was 5, then my grandparents dying and then after a breather, 11 friends in 10 years. I realized I have been angry and also not allowing myself to grieve because I felt I would just go insane. Yet today, walking, looking at a pink sky, feeling the breeze I realized: I won't go insane, feelings are to be felt. It is ok to cry and cry and cry a bit more. It is ok to miss, to long for someone, to remember something and smile.
It is ok to FEEL, to be honest and KNOW that sometimes we will hurt, and sometimes we will cry, but above all, to know that to feel and cry and hurt we will have had to enjoy and had been close to friends and family. So yes, I cry as I write thinking of my friends that passed and I am happy I can cry and I can hurt and I can feel, because god damn it, I only go through this because I was present at each time with them. So, ALWAYS, I will take the crying.
Go, LOVE, HUG, FEEL, HURT and CRY, its all WORTH IT.
Pablo
Today I found out someone I know an have been friends with committed suicide. I am not going to lie and go for the "pity party" thing. We were friends many years ago and I had not seen him in probably 10 years. Yet, when I heard the news I went into Pablo-crazy-mode. So I had to walk away from everything and let my feelings be felt and understood, or try to understand why it hit me like a ton of bricks.
I went for a walk at sunset, I saw an amazing sky, clouds, horizon. All me was a bunch of tears. I kept trying to understand why this news hit me so hard. Yes, he was someone I know, yes, we had great times, but I had not seen him in years and yet, here I was, walking on a country road crying like a baby.
I took a deep breath. I allowed myself to feel whatever was coming over me, to be present to this feelings and I befriend them. As friends, we talked and I tried to understand.
I realized a few things. Having been in a place where I did want to commit suicide myself a few years back I realized that one of my burdens were knowing that regardless the fact that my friend committed suicide, I did not and do not feel like I cannot respect his choice, even though I don't agree with it. When I was at my wits ends, that was my reality, suicide was a tangible, reasonable option, regardless of how others saw my situation.
So there, I can't even be mad at my friend, but on top I respect his choice.
Then I also realized I have a bitter chip on my shoulder. When I was 21 my cousin died on a car accident. We grew up together, we were like brothers. Since his death, 11 of my friends have died, either committing suicide or in accidents. So yes, I am bitter. I have friends who don't even know what is like to loose someone they love. I realized I have all this frustration for the things I have had to experience, my uncle committing suicide when I was 5, then my grandparents dying and then after a breather, 11 friends in 10 years. I realized I have been angry and also not allowing myself to grieve because I felt I would just go insane. Yet today, walking, looking at a pink sky, feeling the breeze I realized: I won't go insane, feelings are to be felt. It is ok to cry and cry and cry a bit more. It is ok to miss, to long for someone, to remember something and smile.
It is ok to FEEL, to be honest and KNOW that sometimes we will hurt, and sometimes we will cry, but above all, to know that to feel and cry and hurt we will have had to enjoy and had been close to friends and family. So yes, I cry as I write thinking of my friends that passed and I am happy I can cry and I can hurt and I can feel, because god damn it, I only go through this because I was present at each time with them. So, ALWAYS, I will take the crying.
Go, LOVE, HUG, FEEL, HURT and CRY, its all WORTH IT.
Pablo
Friday, February 5, 2010
Where to begin?
One of the most beautiful gifts in the world is the gift of encouragement. When someone encourages you, that person helps you over a threshold you might otherwise never have crossed on your own.~John O'Donohue
I have been thinking about the deep breath we take before "jumping." Whatever that jump is, to change our jobs, our relationships, to get in or out of a commitment, to do something that is monumental to us and that will change our world as is.
A few months ago I "took the plunge" and got out of my comfort zone, got in a plane and headed south with a mild idea of what I was going after. I left a job I had been doing for about 10 years (2 jobs really) and I liked, a lot. However the job did no longer bring the passion out of me, it was a comfortable gig I did, the novelty gone, the challenge almost not there.
I am one of those creatures driven by an honest passion in all I do. I do what I want and I put my heart in it, not always to my benefit. I am the crazy guy not ashamed of ending each conversation with a hug and an "I love you" and believe me, I mean it, each time.
In everything in life I find that when the passion is gone, in my job, my relationships, the book I am reading, well, I just do what it takes to "get through it." I also know that life is what it is, I won't get out of it alive and because of that I don't want to "get through" life.
A few countries and months after I left my home and friends in Salt Lake City (by home I mean my stuff stored away) I am finding my bliss. I am waking up again excited for each day and each new challenge I have taken upon myself.
I have to "take my hat off" to all those that have encouraged me, knowingly or not to follow this path. Not one of my friends told me that I am crazy for what I am doing. Not one told me to stick to my job, routine and "get through it." Quite the opposite, they have been the most supportive friends, writing, texting, sending care packages but above all encouraging me to do what I feel needs to be done. Same can be said for my amazing family.
Then there are those people that I know and the ones that I don't that unknowingly have encouraged me as well. How? By living the life I never want for myself, for them or for those I love. A life of doing what they hate, to pay what owns them that they never get to enjoy, because, well, because they have to work to pay for it.
I am understanding that everything we do is an encouragement to others. When we do nothing in front of injustice, we are encouraging those imposing it, saying "it's ok, if we don't stand up for what's right, then you might not be wrong." I am realizing that our lives, lives of choice, of action and reaction, are as well lives of encouragement to those watching. Oh, and people watch. You can take that example to the max and think of celebrities, their lives are encouraging generations to follow and imitate their life styles.
We are not celebrities, but we live in a society, we have a community that is watching.
Let's lead a life that will encourage others to do their best, to be kind, to be loving, to be mindful, to be strong, to be hopeful. And let's do that with our example.
Will you join me?
Pablo
Thursday, January 21, 2010
HEART
Midnight ramblings. I cannot, ever, get over the LOVE that is in this world. I know, I know, you can always point out to me the hate and the wars and the tragedies. However I will point out to you the love in your life, and mine and his and hers.
It is an overwhelming thing when you realize that there are people that care for you, think of you, hope for you. As times goes by I have learned to understand that a) you are not obligated to love me and b) damn, I am a hard person to love.
I am aware of my flaws, many of them and the more I work on being a better person, the more I wonder why have people put up with me for so long. Love comes in and whispers to me and tells me that you have done all that because you love me.
I have met a lot of people in my life in different countries, cultures, situations. I have made it a point to treat each as a long lost friend. I was just raised that way. However, I now think that it was all of you all along treating me as a long lost friend, I was at the receiving end of the love fest.
I thank you for it.
Many things have happened in my life, good and bad, ugly and not, happy and sad. I was reading a journal I wrote about 10 years ago, when I was seriously considering suicide and was constantly walking around followed by a gray cloud. I read it and thought "what was I thinking?" and the answer is: I wasn't. At the time that was my reality, despair, unhappiness and no light at the end of the tunnel.
Now my reality is so different. I am full of hope, full of joy and eating a big, tasty piece of HUMBLE pie. I am loosing myself trying to help and love others and who knew? by doing this I am finding myself and my bliss.
If you know me, have no hesitation: I LOVE YOU. If you don't know me, have no hesitation: I WILL LOVE YOU.
Now, pass it around.
Pablo
Sunday, January 17, 2010
GRATITUDE
I don't even know how to put into words the feeling of gratitude, humility and appreciation this week has brought to me. I will try my best to share with all of you.
Three days ago I "launched" what is a grain of sand in the ocean of hope: a small website designed to help others learn, share, empower and help each other to end human trafficking. It is a big endeavor and a huge passion of mine. There are 27 million people living in conditions of slavery around the world (in your community too, chances are) and I have decided to do something about it. It's no use to feel there's nothing that I can possibly do and let things go on. It has taken me a long time to realize what I can do. Through different experiences I realized what I am not. I am not an activist, I am not, nor do I intend to be another non profit organization. What I really want is to help people learn about the issue, find out where they can help, know about all the organizations and brave individuals who are out there, fighting for those that can't. So I know I aspire to be a communicator, a connector between people wanting to do something about this.
I thought I could get a website where there are all the resources for people and also where people can connect, share their stories, etc. I also realized that I have no idea how to make a website, let alone making it nice. I also realized I cannot let that little thing get on the way. So I started and it's up and running! Check it here
The first version of the site was not as clear and organized as it looks now. Here is where gratitude comes in. I posted about the site on FaceBook and Twitter (you can follow me here) and withing three hours I had over a hundred hits. People started messaging me and offering help. Help was needed. The first version of the site was really what you'd expect from a guy that has no idea what he is doing. Then people from Australia, New Zealand, the States, Europe started pitching in. Thanks to their help the site makes more sense. The went in, fixed it and did it in their own time, out of kindness. I woke up the day after I had been telling people to check the site to a pile of emails, pictures, questions and I was blissfully panicked.
Took a minute to be grateful that people are getting it, that they are willing to join me in this adventure.
It is a simple thing, you go to the site, read, get informed, download a logo. Then print it and get creative with it. The whole goal of this is to start a conversation. You can post it in your office and when people ask you tell them about the issue. You can go out to landmarks, places around your town and post it. People will ask and if you are not there, the poster has the site's address so they can find out more.
I am grateful that people are actually willing to do simple little things to learn and share and move towards a higher consciousness where we are aware of this issue as a community and can start making changes.
I thank you, for being part of this new army. We ARE a new army and we are armed with LOVE.
Pablo
Three days ago I "launched" what is a grain of sand in the ocean of hope: a small website designed to help others learn, share, empower and help each other to end human trafficking. It is a big endeavor and a huge passion of mine. There are 27 million people living in conditions of slavery around the world (in your community too, chances are) and I have decided to do something about it. It's no use to feel there's nothing that I can possibly do and let things go on. It has taken me a long time to realize what I can do. Through different experiences I realized what I am not. I am not an activist, I am not, nor do I intend to be another non profit organization. What I really want is to help people learn about the issue, find out where they can help, know about all the organizations and brave individuals who are out there, fighting for those that can't. So I know I aspire to be a communicator, a connector between people wanting to do something about this.
I thought I could get a website where there are all the resources for people and also where people can connect, share their stories, etc. I also realized that I have no idea how to make a website, let alone making it nice. I also realized I cannot let that little thing get on the way. So I started and it's up and running! Check it hereThe first version of the site was not as clear and organized as it looks now. Here is where gratitude comes in. I posted about the site on FaceBook and Twitter (you can follow me here) and withing three hours I had over a hundred hits. People started messaging me and offering help. Help was needed. The first version of the site was really what you'd expect from a guy that has no idea what he is doing. Then people from Australia, New Zealand, the States, Europe started pitching in. Thanks to their help the site makes more sense. The went in, fixed it and did it in their own time, out of kindness. I woke up the day after I had been telling people to check the site to a pile of emails, pictures, questions and I was blissfully panicked.
Took a minute to be grateful that people are getting it, that they are willing to join me in this adventure.
It is a simple thing, you go to the site, read, get informed, download a logo. Then print it and get creative with it. The whole goal of this is to start a conversation. You can post it in your office and when people ask you tell them about the issue. You can go out to landmarks, places around your town and post it. People will ask and if you are not there, the poster has the site's address so they can find out more.
I am grateful that people are actually willing to do simple little things to learn and share and move towards a higher consciousness where we are aware of this issue as a community and can start making changes.
I thank you, for being part of this new army. We ARE a new army and we are armed with LOVE.
Pablo
Sunday, January 10, 2010
Where does this road go to?
It is so comic to hear oneself called old, even at ninety I suppose! ~Alice James
Today we had rain and then sun and then cloudiness and now sun again. Nature sure knows how to be moody at the moment. Not that I blame it, if I was being mistreated for years upon years, well one day I would too loose it and be an emotional (climatic in Nature's case) mess. So instead of complaining I think myself lucky to have 4 seasons in one day and also responsible to take better care of our planet, just to be kinder to it.
Seems to me we are living in an age where everyone has a cause (even those that have no cause usually say:" screw it, I don't care about anything" that's their cause.)
I am aware we are different from say my grandfather's days. He would not think about raising awareness about global climate, modern day slavery to name a few. But once again, my grandpa had a vegetable garden, never used plastic bags, there was a grocery bag at his house to take to the store & as I remember he always stood up for whats right. He didn't do that because he read it in a book, or was an activist, he was not a special case, everyone from his generation lived a similar life. Which got me thinking that we pride ourselves in being so smart, advanced, educated, tech-savvy and such, but we have missed the point in a lot of things that came naturally to generations before us.
Talking to someone my grandpa's age (my grandpa died when I was a kid) he was telling me that in his family too they had a vegetable garden and lived a similar life. He told me about the "three sisters." Three Sisters is what they would call the growing of corn, beans and pumpkins. The corn plant would provide a place for the bean's vines to grown on. In turn the beans would oxigenate the earth where the corn plants were. On top the pumpkin plant would provide shade for both of their shallow growing roots and keep weeds of the garden. When harvested, you would have a lot of what your body needs by cooking with beans, corn and pumpkins.
They didn't go to a seminar to learn this, they didn't research it, or anything like it, it was common knowledge.
Somewhere along the lines we lost that bounty of information. Probably because we were too busy enjoying the new technologies, or watching TV or not believing what was coming from our elder's mouth because there was no scientific data to back it up or was not mentioned in our favorite tv show/magazine/blog.
I feel I am lucky enough to have older relatives to call them, visit them, chat with them and ask them to share their wisdom with me. More and more I find that a lot of things that we are "discovering" now, were already common knowledge for our elder ones and we chose not to listen. Think about it for a second. Put aside all the wives-tales but think about the real things they knew. As in every generation they got a few things wrong (sometimes really wrong, but let's look at ourselves for a second) but as in everything in my life I like to concentrate on the positive.
I feel when we lost respect to our elders and chose to ignore them, we made a mistake and there is a disconnect between us. We are loosing the wisdom that is ours, about our ancestry, our background, first hand accounts of historical moments and so forth.
This week I will seek out the elders in my family and the community I am in. I will ask, listen and share respectfully. I will honor those that lived before me, those that have seen things I never will, those that were on this ship we call Planet Earth a lot earlier than me.
I invite you to do the same and share your stories.
Pablo
Seems to me we are living in an age where everyone has a cause (even those that have no cause usually say:" screw it, I don't care about anything" that's their cause.)
I am aware we are different from say my grandfather's days. He would not think about raising awareness about global climate, modern day slavery to name a few. But once again, my grandpa had a vegetable garden, never used plastic bags, there was a grocery bag at his house to take to the store & as I remember he always stood up for whats right. He didn't do that because he read it in a book, or was an activist, he was not a special case, everyone from his generation lived a similar life. Which got me thinking that we pride ourselves in being so smart, advanced, educated, tech-savvy and such, but we have missed the point in a lot of things that came naturally to generations before us.
Talking to someone my grandpa's age (my grandpa died when I was a kid) he was telling me that in his family too they had a vegetable garden and lived a similar life. He told me about the "three sisters." Three Sisters is what they would call the growing of corn, beans and pumpkins. The corn plant would provide a place for the bean's vines to grown on. In turn the beans would oxigenate the earth where the corn plants were. On top the pumpkin plant would provide shade for both of their shallow growing roots and keep weeds of the garden. When harvested, you would have a lot of what your body needs by cooking with beans, corn and pumpkins.
They didn't go to a seminar to learn this, they didn't research it, or anything like it, it was common knowledge.Somewhere along the lines we lost that bounty of information. Probably because we were too busy enjoying the new technologies, or watching TV or not believing what was coming from our elder's mouth because there was no scientific data to back it up or was not mentioned in our favorite tv show/magazine/blog.
I feel I am lucky enough to have older relatives to call them, visit them, chat with them and ask them to share their wisdom with me. More and more I find that a lot of things that we are "discovering" now, were already common knowledge for our elder ones and we chose not to listen. Think about it for a second. Put aside all the wives-tales but think about the real things they knew. As in every generation they got a few things wrong (sometimes really wrong, but let's look at ourselves for a second) but as in everything in my life I like to concentrate on the positive.
I feel when we lost respect to our elders and chose to ignore them, we made a mistake and there is a disconnect between us. We are loosing the wisdom that is ours, about our ancestry, our background, first hand accounts of historical moments and so forth.
This week I will seek out the elders in my family and the community I am in. I will ask, listen and share respectfully. I will honor those that lived before me, those that have seen things I never will, those that were on this ship we call Planet Earth a lot earlier than me.
I invite you to do the same and share your stories.
Pablo
Friday, January 1, 2010
2010 IS HERE!!!
2010, a whole new year, it is new, its different and it will be what we make out of it. Yesterday, as the end of 2009 came close I didn't think about what I've done or didn't do. Instead I concentrated on being PRESENT to the moment. As opposed as many new years in the past I had decided to do something new. I avoided the party route in the traditional sense and decided to celebrate being. I chose to be away from the city, in the country side. Being summer here, the sun didn't set until 9ish pm. I sat on the grass, surrounded by trees. It was the perfect evening, the sun finally left the stage for a beautiful blue moon, another gift of 2009, a second full moon in a month, 13 in a year. As I was sitting looking up at the sky and the moon I felt fulfilled. Earth, or Pacha Mama as it is known by our ancestors, breathing with me, in the trees, the grass, the breeze. I looked up the sky, being bathed by the clear white light of the moon. At that very moment a shooting star winked at me.I thought about what to wish for. For the first time I realized that my life is pretty good right now. I reaized that what I want to wish for does not include wealth, material possesions or anything like that.
That got me thinking that 2009 had done a good number on me. It has brought lessons in my life that are priceless, lessons that came through people, experiences, insights and everything in between.
I am extremely grateful. Gratitude became a force within me in 2009. To be grateful is to be aware and present to everything that is given to us, each day. From the daily meals to the daily lessons. By being grateful I also became more aware of where I stand when it comes to what I put in my body, mind and soul. I became more aware of Pacha Mama,the home we have and we call earth. I became aware that I need to take care of this planet and that it does make a difference. I learned to be grateful for the bounty of food coming from the earth, fresh, tasty and nutricious.
By being grateful I stand on a place where nothing is taken for granted. My friends, family and even interactions with strangers become a gift and a message, meant just for me and gratitude has taught me that.
2009 has taught me that I do have a voice and that it can be heard. When tackling issues that are important to me, I have two options: a) to think:"I cannot possibly make a difference" b) I WILL make a difference. And guess what? even if the world at large seems unaffected by me trying to make a difference, I am changed by the efforts, so yes, it is worht it to stand up for what you believe.
As I waited for 2010 I was overwhelmed by the good wishes and love from so many people. I decided to accept it all and to know that love has come and found me and to be present to that feeling and absorve it all.
It also got me thinking that if we would not only wish the best to others for one night, if we were to hold on to that thought, we would change lives. The power of our thoughts (positive or negative) is not fully understood by us. Regardless, IT IS. So, let's keep sending positive thoughts to those we love, to those we hate, to those we don't know, all through 2010 and beyond.
Another lesson from 2009, give, give and give. And when you think you have nothing left, then give that.
Let's be grateful, present, inspired and loving.
I, for one, love you. A lot.
Pablo
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