Videos
WATCH: What Really Matters at the End of Life by BJ Miller
A beautiful TED talk about the importance of the way we view and take steps to understanding end of life care.
WATCH: Mary Oliver Reads "Wild Geese"
Enjoy a beautiful poem by a truly amazing and beautiful woman:
You do not have to be good.
You do not have to walk on your knees
For a hundred miles through the desert, repenting.
You only have to let the soft animal of your body
love what it loves.
Tell me about your despair, yours, and I will tell you mine.
Meanwhile the world goes on.
Meanwhile the sun and the clear pebbles of the rain
are moving across the landscapes,
over the prairies and the deep trees,
the mountains and the rivers.
Meanwhile the wild geese, high in the clean blue air,
are heading home again.
Whoever you are, no matter how lonely,
the world offers itself to your imagination,
calls to you like the wild geese, harsh and exciting --
over and over announcing your place
in the family of things.
"Darling I'm Here for You"
Throughout my days, I can recall distinct moments in which I wish I would have been bold enough to say exactly what was on my mind or dared to use a better set of words toward those I love.
As the sun rises in the East, I often find myself reflecting on those moments and silently vowing I will never make the same mistakes. Thankfully, with a new day comes the power to wake anew and set specific intentions to act with authenticity and love.
I recently listened to a conversation that Oprah had with Vietnamese monk Thich Nhat Hanh (also known as Thay or teacher by his students). Their discussion equipped me with a set of Mantras that I want to apply to my daily interactions with others.
I hope they will be valuable to you as well:
1. "Darling, I'm here for you."
Use these words to reveal that your loved one has your full support. He or she will be filled with a new sense of strength and belonging.
2. "Darling, I know you are there, and I'm so happy because you are truly there."
The simple acknowledgement that a loved one exists and provides meaning to your life is utterly priceless. Don't get caught in the fable that you have forever, be here and now -- acknowledging the beauty of your person's presence.
3. Darling, I know you suffer, that is why I'm here for you."
When a loved one suffers, there is no need to come up with a solution or blast them with your opinions. Simply listen and offer your heart.
4. "Darling, I suffer and I'm trying my best to practice. Please help me."
Rather than hiding your pain and fears away, ask for support. If your loved one has disappointed you and your natural reaction is to lash out or crawl into your shell, be humble enough to ask for help.
"You must go to him or her and practice this," says Thay. "You will suffer less right away."
- Jen Engevik
Project BE Bold
Are Human Beings Naturally Helpful? Learn From the PBS Human Spark Series...
Are human beings naturally altruistic? PBS investigates with the help of Alan Alda. Enjoy!
Video from KarmaTube
Dan's Coffee Run - Ideas for Making A Difference!
One can make a huge difference in the most simple of ways. Be inspired by Dan's simple gesture that makes such a difference in the lives of others:
Video from KarmaTube
Jennifer Aaker on the Pursuit of Happiness
Enjoy this inspiring speech by Jennifer Aaker, a truly inspiring professor at Stanford University and co-author of The Dragon Effect. Here she teaches how to make a difference in the world and find true happiness:
USC's Seth Doane and Prince Harry Interview
As a graduate of USC, I am always proud when I see one of my classmates accomplish something amazing. Back in the day, Seth Doane and I attended classes together and enjoyed deep discussions on life. Now I am proud to say that Seth is reporting for CBS and has just recently interviewed Prince Harry in Africa. Congratulations Seth on working so very hard to make this moment a reality...
- Post by Jen Engevik