Tribe of compassion

Tribe of compassion,

How is 2020 going for you? If you're crushing it, keep going! If you've already hit a wall, know you are not alone. Life doesn't simply, magically get better because it's a new year, new decade & we proclaim it to be so. Life is life and it happens; the whole  spectrum. It's all in our expectations that our reality is shaped and our happiness or unhappiness is present. Translated, the outcome you plan to happen can create suffering if you are attached to it only. You can do everything right and still someone you love can get sick, our world can be at the brink of war, fires can rage, on & on. What makes the difference is your attitude and energy toward yourself and your outlook for the future. Are you open and hopeful or are you closed and fearful? Can you allow a difficult  situation to be present without taking you down or knocking you completely off? Can you be calm in mind and heart knowing that what happens is just that, what happens. Your interpretation and response is up to you. 

There is a Chinese teaching story called "Maybe so, Maybe not. We'll see." It illustrates well the nuance of life and it's happenings. Check it out....

A farmer and his son had a beloved stallion who helped the family earn a living. One day, the horse ran away and their neighbors exclaimed, “Your horse ran away, what terrible luck!” The farmer replied, “Maybe so, maybe not. We’ll see.”

A few days later, the horse returned home, leading a few wild mares back to the farm as well. The neighbors shouted out, “Your horse has returned, and brought several horses home with him. What great luck!” The farmer replied, “Maybe so, maybe not. We’ll see.”

Later that week, the farmer’s son was trying to break one of the mares and she threw him to the ground, breaking his leg. The villagers cried, “Your son broke his leg, what terrible luck!” The farmer replied, “Maybe so, maybe not. We’ll see.”

A few weeks later, soldiers from the national army marched through town, recruiting all the able-bodied boys for the army. They did not take the farmer’s son, still recovering from his injury. Friends shouted, “Your boy is spared, what tremendous luck!” To which the farmer replied, “Maybe so, maybe not. We’ll see.”

And so the story would continue. Good, bad, lucky or unlucky, fortunate or unfortunate; only time reveals the whole story. Friends, let's take deep breaths, trust that the universe has your back and 2020 has beautiful & challenging opportunities to polish the diamond of your heart & help you become your highest and best self. Thanks for doing this work because now more than ever the world needs us to be on our A game! 

Check out the exciting February volunteer opportunities with Habitat for Humanity. Be sure to follow the steps to sign up carefully; it's simple yet you need to complete the process to confirm your volunteer spot. If you have questions you can reach  out to @Koral Fritz 

Love and blessings to you,
dana

February 2020 Community Partner in Grand Rapids: 
Habitat for Humanity of Kent Country
Volunteer Dates: Feb. 12 from 8am to 12pm and Feb. 29 from 12pm to 4pm. 
**Volunteers must be over 16.
**Deadline to register January 29
Sign up link: https://www.signupgenius.com/go/9040F4BA5AF2FA1F94-embody

After you sign up you MUST create a login on the Volunteer Hub. no later than January 29.

​Upcoming Events

Embody in Grand Rapids:

January 15, 2020
EmbodyGR Team Teacher Peri Jill
When: January 15, 6:30-8:00pm
Where: Fountain Street Church

January 22, 2020
Let's Welcome NEW EmbodyGR Team Teacher Melissa Vannette
When: January 22, 6:30-8:00pm
Where: Fountain Street Church

January 29, 2020
EmbodyGR Kundalini Team Teacher Susanne Werblow
When: January 29, 6:30-8:00pm
Where: Fountain Street Church

February 5, 2020
EmbodyGR Team Teacher Holly Haveman
When: February 5, 6:30-8:00pm
Where: Fountain Street Church

February 12, 2020
EmbodyGR Celebrates Valentine's Day LOVE w/ Team Teacher  Peri Jill 
When: February 12, 6:30-8:00pm
Where: Fountain Street Church

February 19, 2020
Let's Welcome NEW EmbodyGR Team Teacher Jen Jettner
When: February 19, 6:30-8:00pm
Where: Fountain Street Church

February 26, 2020
EmbodyGR Team Teacher Holly Haveman
When: February 26, 6:30-8:00pm
Where: Fountain Street Church


Volunteer/Outreach Opportunities

GR Red Project Educational Dinner - FREE
When: Monday, January 27,  7-8:30
Where: 401 Hall Street

Habitat for Humanity of Kent County
Feb. 12 from 8am to 12pm
Feb. 29 from 12pm to 4pm

“To be free from suffering, free yourself from attachments.” Buddha