Happy Sunday and Happy Solstice, dear friends. The holiday season is in full swing here in my space of love. Have I gotten everything done? Nope, not even close. Why am I so happy? Because my kids are home for an extended break and I will get to see a bunch of family members I have not seen in a long time.
Years ago, I realized that I was an experiential person. Things simply do not mean much to me, but memories with those I love are my most blessed gifts. Smiles, hugs, sharing old family stories, these are the things that bring me the greatest amount of joy.
Years ago, I would have been upset if I didn’t get everything “done” that I was expected to do for the holidays, but now I simply do not care. All things happen as they should on this divine path, and I already have every single thing I need, right inside my own heart.
So happy to be sharing feel good news with you all today. Let’s get started so we can all feel good.
A neat web-portal to support positive life changes.
Kindspring is a wonderfully heart-centered website that has opened a 21-day challenge portal. I know that for me, whenever anyone mentions a “challenge,” I run the other way. Especially around New Year, when we are all goaded to set resolutions, that we are rarely able to keep, this type of pressure seems self-defeating to me.
But the challenges listed on Kindspring are different. Do you want to add more mindfulness to your life? Do you want to add more kindness? There are challenges for that! This beautiful article, shares what happened when a disinterested student joined her classmates in a 21-day kindness challenge. Her transformation was amazing, and it inspired me to think about consciously adding more acts of kindness into my day.
A New Way To Practice Our Values by Audrey Lin and Birju Pandya for the Daily Good
A disabled dog gets new legs, thanks to a 3D printer.
3D printing has literally revolutionized the prosthesis industry. In the past, the prosthetic had to be hand carved or molded, making them extremely expensive. If there was a need for revision, they often had to go back to the drawing board.
Tara Anderson, director of product management at 3D Systems, was inspired to use her company’s 3D technology to help a dog she was fostering, called Derby, from the rescue group Peace and Paws. Derby was born with a birth defect, and his front legs were extremely short and malformed.
Using a computer program that generates a 3 dimensional view of Derby’s legs, they were able to create a prosthetic in the virtual world. They then printed out final versions, once they had fine-tuned them, after Derby gave them a test run.
Now he can run and play like a normal dog, and his adopted family is so pleased with his new-found mobility. I was overjoyed when I watched the video of him running along with his owner. You can just see how happy he is to finally have legs that work.
Disabled dog walks again thanks to 3-D printed prosthetics by Alejandro Alba for the NY Daily News
Good people are awesome.
I can’t get enough of these videos, that share small random acts of kindness. Here is a great compilation of people, caught on camera, helping other people. Most of the footage seems to come from security cameras installed on cars.
It’s funny, because these cameras are initially installed, so people can have a record of any bad thing that happens to them while driving. I am sure they are all surprised by the good things they have captured along the way!
Good people are awesome part one on Youtube
When I watch these types of videos, one thing leads to another, and I always find more great Good Samaritans at work. This video focuses on humans helping animals. The elephant and whale footage made me cry with joy. I have seen a few of the clips before, but they are well worth watching again.
Faith in humanity restored-animal compilation on Youtube
And finally…
Kansas City Police are Santa’s helpers this year.
A wealthy local businessman has been playing “Secret Santa” in Kansas City, Missouri for many years. He travels around the city and anonymously hands out money to people. This year he decided to use some local helpers. He enlisted the Kansas City Police Department to do his good deeds for him.
He handed out thousands of dollars to each officer, who then went through the city, stopping people who looked as if they might need help. This video shows the amazing reactions of the people who were helped, and also the joy of Santa’s helpers.
That’s the good news for today. Have a warm and cozy day. My wonderful news partner, Gavin Harrill, will take over the Golden Gaia News Roundup until Thursday, when I look forward to visiting with you all again, and ringing in the holidays.
Be Well. Be Joy. Be Love!
Alex